BIOD 121 Module 6 Exam: Lifecycle Nutrition & Special Populations | Verified Questions and Answers | Latest 2025/2026 – Portage Learning

BIOD 121: Module 6 Exam Portage Learning Questions and
Answers 2026


1. The "Critical Period" in pregnancy refers to:
A) The time right before birth.
B) The first trimester when rapid cell division occurs.
C) The period of breastfeeding.
D) The time when the mother craves certain foods.
Answer: B
Rationale: The first trimester is critical because this is when major organs form;
interference (toxins/malnutrition) here can cause permanent damage.
2. Which of the following is a "Successful Pregnancy" outcome for the infant?
A) Birth weight of at least 5.5 lbs.
B) Birth at 35 weeks.
C) Birth weight of 4 lbs.
D) High Apgar score regardless of weight.
Answer: A
Rationale: A successful pregnancy is defined as a gestation longer than 37 weeks and a
birth weight greater than 5.5 lbs.
3. "Pica" during pregnancy is often a sign of deficiency in:
A) Vitamin C.
B) Iron or Zinc.
C) Calcium.
D) Protein.
Answer: B
Rationale: Pica (craving non-food items) is frequently a physiological signal that the
mother lacks certain trace minerals.
4. How many extra calories are needed in the first trimester?
A) 300 kcal.
B) 450 kcal.
C) 0 kcal.
D) 800 kcal.
Answer: C

,Rationale: During the first trimester, the focus is on quality (nutrients), not quantity;
calorie needs don't increase until the second trimester.
5. Which hormone triggers the "Let-Down Reflex" during breastfeeding?
A) Prolactin.
B) Estrogen.
C) Oxytocin.
D) Insulin.
Answer: C
Rationale: Prolactin stimulates milk production, but Oxytocin causes the release (let-
down) of milk from the breast.
6. An infant's length typically increases by ____% in the first year.
A) 10%.
B) 25%.
C) 50%.
D) 100%.
Answer: C
Rationale: While weight triples, length increases by about 50% from birth to age one.
7. Why is Fruit Juice generally discouraged for infants under 6 months?
A) It causes allergies.
B) It provides "empty" calories and may replace breast milk/formula.
C) It is too expensive.
D) It makes them sleep too much.
Answer: B
Rationale: Juice lacks the fat and protein infants need and can lead to early tooth decay
and diarrhea.
8. "Atrophic Gastritis" in the elderly leads to a deficiency of:
A) Vitamin C.
B) Vitamin B-12.
C) Sodium.
D) Fiber.
Answer: B
Rationale: This condition reduces stomach acid, which is required to release B-12 from
food proteins.
9. What is the recommended weight gain for a woman with a "Normal" BMI?
A) 11–20 lbs.
B) 15–25 lbs.

, C) 25–35 lbs.
D) 28–40 lbs.
Answer: C
Rationale: Standard guidelines for a healthy BMI (18.5–24.9) suggest a 25–35 lb gain
for optimal fetal health.
10. Which mineral is essential for preventing "Neural Tube Defects"?
A) Iron.
B) Folate (Folic Acid).
C) Magnesium.
D) Iodine.
Answer: B
Rationale: Folate is vital for DNA synthesis and the proper closing of the neural tube in
the first 28 days of pregnancy.
11. "Gestational Diabetes" usually disappears:
A) After the first trimester.
B) After the baby is born.
C) Never (it becomes Type 2).
D) If the mother stops eating sugar.
Answer: B
Rationale: It is caused by pregnancy hormones; once the placenta is delivered, blood
sugar usually returns to normal (though risk for Type 2 later increases).
12. Breast milk is naturally low in which vitamin, requiring infant
supplementation?
A) Vitamin A.
B) Vitamin C.
C) Vitamin D.
D) Vitamin B-6.
Answer: C
Rationale: Breast milk lacks sufficient Vitamin D, so the AAP recommends a daily
supplement starting shortly after birth.
13. A child is considered "obese" if their BMI-for-age is at or above the:
A) 50th percentile.
B) 85th percentile.
C) 95th percentile.
D) 100th percentile.