NUR 1172/NUR1172 Exam 2 V1 |
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is teaching a group of pregnant women about the importance of folic acid. Which
of the following is the primary reason for increasing folic acid intake during the first
trimester?
A. To prevent macrocytic anemia in the mother
B. To promote bone density in the developing fetus
C. To decrease the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus
D. To manage gestational diabetes symptoms
Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid is crucial for the synthesis of DNA and the formation of the neural
tube in the early stages of pregnancy. Adequate intake significantly reduces the incidence
of conditions like spina bifida and anencephaly. The Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA) for pregnant women is 600 mcg per day to support these developmental processes.
2. A client presents with bleeding gums and petechiae. Which vitamin deficiency should the
nurse suspect?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
,C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin C
Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for collagen synthesis and
the maintenance of capillary integrity. A severe deficiency leads to scurvy, which is
characterized by fragile blood vessels and impaired wound healing. These symptoms
manifest as bleeding gums, bruising, and small red spots on the skin known as petechiae.
3. Which vitamin is specifically administered as an injection to newborns within the first hour
of birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease?
A. Vitamin K
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin A
Answer: A
Rationale: Newborns are born with a sterile intestinal tract and lack the gut bacteria
required to synthesize Vitamin K. Without this vitamin, the liver cannot produce necessary
clotting factors, putting the infant at risk for spontaneous bleeding. Prophylactic
administration of Vitamin K ensures the baby has adequate coagulation capabilities until
their gut microbiome develops.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic alcoholism. Which vitamin deficiency
is most commonly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in this population?
A. Riboflavin (B2)
B. Pyridoxine (B6)
C. Niacin (B3)
D. Thiamine (B1)
Answer: D
Rationale: Chronic alcohol consumption interferes with the absorption and utilization of
Thiamine (B1). Thiamine is essential for glucose metabolism in the brain, and its absence
can lead to severe neurological impairments. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a life-
threatening manifestation of this deficiency that requires immediate medical intervention
with high-dose thiamine.
5. A vegan client is at the highest risk for a deficiency in which of the following nutrients?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin B12
C. Potassium
D. Beta-carotene
Answer: B
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is teaching a group of pregnant women about the importance of folic acid. Which
of the following is the primary reason for increasing folic acid intake during the first
trimester?
A. To prevent macrocytic anemia in the mother
B. To promote bone density in the developing fetus
C. To decrease the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus
D. To manage gestational diabetes symptoms
Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid is crucial for the synthesis of DNA and the formation of the neural
tube in the early stages of pregnancy. Adequate intake significantly reduces the incidence
of conditions like spina bifida and anencephaly. The Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA) for pregnant women is 600 mcg per day to support these developmental processes.
2. A client presents with bleeding gums and petechiae. Which vitamin deficiency should the
nurse suspect?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
,C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin C
Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for collagen synthesis and
the maintenance of capillary integrity. A severe deficiency leads to scurvy, which is
characterized by fragile blood vessels and impaired wound healing. These symptoms
manifest as bleeding gums, bruising, and small red spots on the skin known as petechiae.
3. Which vitamin is specifically administered as an injection to newborns within the first hour
of birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease?
A. Vitamin K
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin A
Answer: A
Rationale: Newborns are born with a sterile intestinal tract and lack the gut bacteria
required to synthesize Vitamin K. Without this vitamin, the liver cannot produce necessary
clotting factors, putting the infant at risk for spontaneous bleeding. Prophylactic
administration of Vitamin K ensures the baby has adequate coagulation capabilities until
their gut microbiome develops.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic alcoholism. Which vitamin deficiency
is most commonly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in this population?
A. Riboflavin (B2)
B. Pyridoxine (B6)
C. Niacin (B3)
D. Thiamine (B1)
Answer: D
Rationale: Chronic alcohol consumption interferes with the absorption and utilization of
Thiamine (B1). Thiamine is essential for glucose metabolism in the brain, and its absence
can lead to severe neurological impairments. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a life-
threatening manifestation of this deficiency that requires immediate medical intervention
with high-dose thiamine.
5. A vegan client is at the highest risk for a deficiency in which of the following nutrients?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin B12
C. Potassium
D. Beta-carotene
Answer: B
