GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
BIO 2500 FUNDAMENTALS OF NUTRITION
FINAL EXAM REVIEW
2026
Multiple Choice Questions
A 68-year-old patient with a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is advised to limit
protein intake. Which type of protein is recommended to maintain nitrogen balance
without worsening kidney function?
a) High-biological value protein
b) Low-biological value protein
c) Complete plant protein
d) Branched-chain amino acids supplements
Answer: a) High-biological value protein
Rationale: High-biological value proteins provide essential amino acids efficiently and
help maintain muscle without excessive nitrogenous waste, crucial in CKD
management.
A patient exhibits signs of pellagra. Which dietary deficiency best explains these
symptoms?
a) Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
b) Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
c) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
d) Folate
Answer: a) Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Rationale: Pellagra results from niacin deficiency, characterized by dermatitis,
diarrhea, and dementia.
Which of the following is the primary role of soluble fiber in cardiovascular health?
a) Reducing LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids
b) Increasing absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
c) Promoting protein synthesis
,d) Enhancing calcium absorption
Answer: a) Reducing LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids
Rationale: Soluble fiber binds bile acids in the gut, reducing LDL cholesterol levels
and improving heart health.
In a malnourished surgical patient, what is the preferred method of nutritional
support?
a) Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
b) Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
c) Oral supplements alone
d) Fasting until surgery
Answer: b) Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
Rationale: Enteral nutrition preserves gut integrity and reduces infection risk
compared to TPN when the gut is functional.
Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor for absorption in the terminal ileum?
a) Vitamin B12
b) Vitamin C
c) Vitamin D
d) Vitamin E
Answer: a) Vitamin B12
Rationale: Intrinsic factor produced by gastric parietal cells is prerequisite for vitamin
B12 absorption.
True / False Questions
T/F: Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins can lead to toxicity because they
accumulate in adipose tissue and liver.
Answer: True
Rationale: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in body fat and liver, thus
excess intake can cause toxicity.
T/F: Omega-6 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties compared to omega-3
fatty acids.
Answer: False
Rationale: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, while omega-6
fatty acids tend to be pro-inflammatory.
,T/F: Inadequate zinc intake can impair wound healing and immune function.
Answer: True
Rationale: Zinc is essential for collagen synthesis and immune cell function, so
deficiency delays healing.
T/F: Glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food
raises blood glucose.
Answer: True
Rationale: Glycemic index ranks carbohydrates based on their effect on postprandial
blood glucose levels.
T/F: Vitamin D synthesis in the skin can be inhibited by sunscreen application.
Answer: True
Rationale: Sunscreens block UVB rays, which are necessary for skin synthesis of
vitamin D.
Short Answer Questions
Explain the mechanism by which iron deficiency anemia occurs.
Answer: Iron deficiency anemia occurs due to insufficient iron for hemoglobin
synthesis, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of RBCs. This can stem from
inadequate dietary intake, chronic blood loss, or malabsorption.
What is the role of chylomicrons in fat metabolism?
Answer: Chylomicrons transport dietary triglycerides and cholesterol from the
intestines to peripheral tissues via the lymphatic system.
Describe how vitamin K deficiency may influence clotting.
Answer: Vitamin K is essential for gamma-carboxylation of clotting factors II, VII, IX,
and X. Deficiency leads to impaired synthesis and increased bleeding risk.
Identify two clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency.
Answer: Xerophthalmia (dry eye), night blindness.
Why is folate supplementation critical during pregnancy?
Answer: Folate prevents neural tube defects in the developing fetus by supporting
proper DNA synthesis and cell division.
, Matching Questions
Match the nutrient to its primary function:
16-20:
a) Calcium
b) Vitamin B6
c) Magnesium
d) Vitamin C
e) Thiamine
Cofactor for transamination reactions
Antioxidant promoting collagen synthesis
Bone mineralization
Energy metabolism via pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
Muscle and nerve function
Answers:
16. b) Vitamin B6
17. d) Vitamin C
18. a) Calcium
19. e) Thiamine
20. c) Magnesium
Rationale: Each nutrient matches its well-known physiological function relevant to
clinical nutrition.
Fill in the Blank Questions
The amino acid ____________ is considered essential because the body cannot
synthesize it in sufficient quantities.
Answer: lysine
Rationale: Lysine is an essential amino acid required in the diet.
____________ is the storage form of glucose in the liver and skeletal muscle.
Answer: glycogen
Rationale: Glycogen acts as a readily mobilizable glucose source.
Vitamin ____________ deficiency is the primary cause of scurvy.
Answer: C
BIO 2500 FUNDAMENTALS OF NUTRITION
FINAL EXAM REVIEW
2026
Multiple Choice Questions
A 68-year-old patient with a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is advised to limit
protein intake. Which type of protein is recommended to maintain nitrogen balance
without worsening kidney function?
a) High-biological value protein
b) Low-biological value protein
c) Complete plant protein
d) Branched-chain amino acids supplements
Answer: a) High-biological value protein
Rationale: High-biological value proteins provide essential amino acids efficiently and
help maintain muscle without excessive nitrogenous waste, crucial in CKD
management.
A patient exhibits signs of pellagra. Which dietary deficiency best explains these
symptoms?
a) Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
b) Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
c) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
d) Folate
Answer: a) Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Rationale: Pellagra results from niacin deficiency, characterized by dermatitis,
diarrhea, and dementia.
Which of the following is the primary role of soluble fiber in cardiovascular health?
a) Reducing LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids
b) Increasing absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
c) Promoting protein synthesis
,d) Enhancing calcium absorption
Answer: a) Reducing LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids
Rationale: Soluble fiber binds bile acids in the gut, reducing LDL cholesterol levels
and improving heart health.
In a malnourished surgical patient, what is the preferred method of nutritional
support?
a) Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
b) Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
c) Oral supplements alone
d) Fasting until surgery
Answer: b) Enteral nutrition via feeding tube
Rationale: Enteral nutrition preserves gut integrity and reduces infection risk
compared to TPN when the gut is functional.
Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor for absorption in the terminal ileum?
a) Vitamin B12
b) Vitamin C
c) Vitamin D
d) Vitamin E
Answer: a) Vitamin B12
Rationale: Intrinsic factor produced by gastric parietal cells is prerequisite for vitamin
B12 absorption.
True / False Questions
T/F: Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins can lead to toxicity because they
accumulate in adipose tissue and liver.
Answer: True
Rationale: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in body fat and liver, thus
excess intake can cause toxicity.
T/F: Omega-6 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties compared to omega-3
fatty acids.
Answer: False
Rationale: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, while omega-6
fatty acids tend to be pro-inflammatory.
,T/F: Inadequate zinc intake can impair wound healing and immune function.
Answer: True
Rationale: Zinc is essential for collagen synthesis and immune cell function, so
deficiency delays healing.
T/F: Glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food
raises blood glucose.
Answer: True
Rationale: Glycemic index ranks carbohydrates based on their effect on postprandial
blood glucose levels.
T/F: Vitamin D synthesis in the skin can be inhibited by sunscreen application.
Answer: True
Rationale: Sunscreens block UVB rays, which are necessary for skin synthesis of
vitamin D.
Short Answer Questions
Explain the mechanism by which iron deficiency anemia occurs.
Answer: Iron deficiency anemia occurs due to insufficient iron for hemoglobin
synthesis, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of RBCs. This can stem from
inadequate dietary intake, chronic blood loss, or malabsorption.
What is the role of chylomicrons in fat metabolism?
Answer: Chylomicrons transport dietary triglycerides and cholesterol from the
intestines to peripheral tissues via the lymphatic system.
Describe how vitamin K deficiency may influence clotting.
Answer: Vitamin K is essential for gamma-carboxylation of clotting factors II, VII, IX,
and X. Deficiency leads to impaired synthesis and increased bleeding risk.
Identify two clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency.
Answer: Xerophthalmia (dry eye), night blindness.
Why is folate supplementation critical during pregnancy?
Answer: Folate prevents neural tube defects in the developing fetus by supporting
proper DNA synthesis and cell division.
, Matching Questions
Match the nutrient to its primary function:
16-20:
a) Calcium
b) Vitamin B6
c) Magnesium
d) Vitamin C
e) Thiamine
Cofactor for transamination reactions
Antioxidant promoting collagen synthesis
Bone mineralization
Energy metabolism via pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
Muscle and nerve function
Answers:
16. b) Vitamin B6
17. d) Vitamin C
18. a) Calcium
19. e) Thiamine
20. c) Magnesium
Rationale: Each nutrient matches its well-known physiological function relevant to
clinical nutrition.
Fill in the Blank Questions
The amino acid ____________ is considered essential because the body cannot
synthesize it in sufficient quantities.
Answer: lysine
Rationale: Lysine is an essential amino acid required in the diet.
____________ is the storage form of glucose in the liver and skeletal muscle.
Answer: glycogen
Rationale: Glycogen acts as a readily mobilizable glucose source.
Vitamin ____________ deficiency is the primary cause of scurvy.
Answer: C
