NURS 225 Exam 1 V1 | NURS 225 Nutrition
Proctored Exam | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS225 Exam 1) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is educating a client about the differences between simple and complex
carbohydrates. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a complex carbohydrate?
A. Whole grain bread
B. Table sugar
C. Honey
D. Fruit juice
Answer: A
Rationale: Complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, consist of long
chains of glucose molecules that take longer to break down. This provides a more sustained
release of energy compared to simple sugars. Educating patients on choosing complex over
simple carbohydrates is a foundational aspect of managing blood glucose levels.
2. When assessing a patient’s protein intake, the nurse understands that essential amino
acids are those that:
A. The body can synthesize from other amino acids.
B. Must be obtained through the diet because the body cannot produce them.
,C. Are only found in plant-based food sources.
D. Are primarily used for energy rather than tissue building.
Answer: B
Rationale: Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body in sufficient
quantities and therefore must be consumed through food. There are nine essential amino
acids that serve as the building blocks for protein synthesis. A deficiency in any one of these
can impair the body’s ability to repair tissues and maintain immune function.
3. A patient asks about the primary function of bile in the digestive process. Which response
by the nurse is correct?
A. Bile acts as an emulsifier to break down large fat globules into smaller ones.
B. Bile neutralizes stomach acid in the duodenum.
C. Bile breaks down proteins into peptides.
D. Bile is the primary enzyme responsible for carbohydrate digestion.
Answer: A
Rationale: Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder before being released
into the small intestine. Its primary role is emulsification, which increases the surface area
of fats for lipase to act upon. Without adequate bile secretion, fat-soluble vitamin
absorption and lipid digestion are significantly compromised.
, 4. Which of the following clinical findings is most characteristic of Marasmus?
A. Significant edema in the lower extremities.
B. Adequate calorie intake but severe protein deficiency.
C. An enlarged, fatty liver.
D. Generalized wasting of muscle and adipose tissue.
Answer: D
Rationale: Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by a deficiency in both
calories and protein. Patients typically present with a ‘skin and bones’ appearance due to
the loss of subcutaneous fat and muscle mass. Unlike Kwashiorkor, edema is generally
absent because the body has adapted to chronic starvation by utilizing all available energy
stores.
5. A nurse is calculating the caloric content of a food item that contains 10 grams of fat, 20
grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein. What is the total calorie count?
A. 140 calories
B. 190 calories
C. 165 calories
D. 210 calories
Answer: B
Proctored Exam | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS225 Exam 1) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is educating a client about the differences between simple and complex
carbohydrates. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a complex carbohydrate?
A. Whole grain bread
B. Table sugar
C. Honey
D. Fruit juice
Answer: A
Rationale: Complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, consist of long
chains of glucose molecules that take longer to break down. This provides a more sustained
release of energy compared to simple sugars. Educating patients on choosing complex over
simple carbohydrates is a foundational aspect of managing blood glucose levels.
2. When assessing a patient’s protein intake, the nurse understands that essential amino
acids are those that:
A. The body can synthesize from other amino acids.
B. Must be obtained through the diet because the body cannot produce them.
,C. Are only found in plant-based food sources.
D. Are primarily used for energy rather than tissue building.
Answer: B
Rationale: Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body in sufficient
quantities and therefore must be consumed through food. There are nine essential amino
acids that serve as the building blocks for protein synthesis. A deficiency in any one of these
can impair the body’s ability to repair tissues and maintain immune function.
3. A patient asks about the primary function of bile in the digestive process. Which response
by the nurse is correct?
A. Bile acts as an emulsifier to break down large fat globules into smaller ones.
B. Bile neutralizes stomach acid in the duodenum.
C. Bile breaks down proteins into peptides.
D. Bile is the primary enzyme responsible for carbohydrate digestion.
Answer: A
Rationale: Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder before being released
into the small intestine. Its primary role is emulsification, which increases the surface area
of fats for lipase to act upon. Without adequate bile secretion, fat-soluble vitamin
absorption and lipid digestion are significantly compromised.
, 4. Which of the following clinical findings is most characteristic of Marasmus?
A. Significant edema in the lower extremities.
B. Adequate calorie intake but severe protein deficiency.
C. An enlarged, fatty liver.
D. Generalized wasting of muscle and adipose tissue.
Answer: D
Rationale: Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by a deficiency in both
calories and protein. Patients typically present with a ‘skin and bones’ appearance due to
the loss of subcutaneous fat and muscle mass. Unlike Kwashiorkor, edema is generally
absent because the body has adapted to chronic starvation by utilizing all available energy
stores.
5. A nurse is calculating the caloric content of a food item that contains 10 grams of fat, 20
grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein. What is the total calorie count?
A. 140 calories
B. 190 calories
C. 165 calories
D. 210 calories
Answer: B
