NUR 1172/NUR1172 Exam 1 V3 |
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is teaching a patient about the primary function of carbohydrates in the body.
Which statement by the patient indicates understanding?
A. Carbohydrates are the main building blocks for muscle tissue.
B. Carbohydrates act as the primary insulation for internal organs.
C. Carbohydrates are responsible for transporting fat-soluble vitamins.
D. Carbohydrates provide the body’s primary source of energy.
Answer: D
Rationale: Carbohydrates serve as the body’s preferred and most efficient source of fuel
for energy production. They are broken down into glucose, which is essential for brain
function and muscle contraction. While protein builds tissue and fats provide insulation,
carbohydrates are specifically utilized to maintain energy homeostasis.
2. When calculating the caloric value of a meal, how many kilocalories per gram does fat
provide?
A. 4 kcal/g
B. 9 kcal/g
C. 7 kcal/g
,D. 12 kcal/g
Answer: B
Rationale: Fats are the most energy-dense macronutrient, providing 9 kilocalories for
every gram consumed. This is more than double the energy provided by proteins or
carbohydrates, which provide 4 kcal/g each. Understanding these values is critical for
nurses when calculating patient intake and dietary needs.
3. A patient with a BMI of 28.5 kg/m² is classified into which weight category?
A. Overweight
B. Normal weight
C. Underweight
D. Obese
Answer: A
Rationale: The BMI range for an overweight adult is 25 to 29.9 kg/m². A BMI of 28.5 falls
directly within this range, indicating the patient is above their ideal weight for their height.
Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher, while normal weight is between 18.5 and 24.9.
4. Which type of fiber is known for its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels?
A. Cellulose
B. Insoluble fiber
C. Dietary lignin
, D. Soluble fiber
Answer: D
Rationale: Soluble fiber binds with fatty acids and cholesterol in the digestive tract,
preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. This process helps lower LDL cholesterol
and can improve cardiovascular health over time. Common sources include oats, beans, and
certain fruits like apples.
5. An amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the
diet is called:
A. Non-essential
B. Conditionally essential
C. Incomplete
D. Essential
Answer: D
Rationale: Essential amino acids are those that the human body cannot produce on its own
in sufficient quantities. There are nine essential amino acids that must be supplied through
protein-rich foods in the diet. Without these specific building blocks, the body cannot
effectively synthesize necessary proteins for life.
6. Which vitamin is synthesized by the skin upon exposure to sunlight?
A. Vitamin A
Nutritional Principles in Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is teaching a patient about the primary function of carbohydrates in the body.
Which statement by the patient indicates understanding?
A. Carbohydrates are the main building blocks for muscle tissue.
B. Carbohydrates act as the primary insulation for internal organs.
C. Carbohydrates are responsible for transporting fat-soluble vitamins.
D. Carbohydrates provide the body’s primary source of energy.
Answer: D
Rationale: Carbohydrates serve as the body’s preferred and most efficient source of fuel
for energy production. They are broken down into glucose, which is essential for brain
function and muscle contraction. While protein builds tissue and fats provide insulation,
carbohydrates are specifically utilized to maintain energy homeostasis.
2. When calculating the caloric value of a meal, how many kilocalories per gram does fat
provide?
A. 4 kcal/g
B. 9 kcal/g
C. 7 kcal/g
,D. 12 kcal/g
Answer: B
Rationale: Fats are the most energy-dense macronutrient, providing 9 kilocalories for
every gram consumed. This is more than double the energy provided by proteins or
carbohydrates, which provide 4 kcal/g each. Understanding these values is critical for
nurses when calculating patient intake and dietary needs.
3. A patient with a BMI of 28.5 kg/m² is classified into which weight category?
A. Overweight
B. Normal weight
C. Underweight
D. Obese
Answer: A
Rationale: The BMI range for an overweight adult is 25 to 29.9 kg/m². A BMI of 28.5 falls
directly within this range, indicating the patient is above their ideal weight for their height.
Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher, while normal weight is between 18.5 and 24.9.
4. Which type of fiber is known for its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels?
A. Cellulose
B. Insoluble fiber
C. Dietary lignin
, D. Soluble fiber
Answer: D
Rationale: Soluble fiber binds with fatty acids and cholesterol in the digestive tract,
preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. This process helps lower LDL cholesterol
and can improve cardiovascular health over time. Common sources include oats, beans, and
certain fruits like apples.
5. An amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the
diet is called:
A. Non-essential
B. Conditionally essential
C. Incomplete
D. Essential
Answer: D
Rationale: Essential amino acids are those that the human body cannot produce on its own
in sufficient quantities. There are nine essential amino acids that must be supplied through
protein-rich foods in the diet. Without these specific building blocks, the body cannot
effectively synthesize necessary proteins for life.
6. Which vitamin is synthesized by the skin upon exposure to sunlight?
A. Vitamin A
