BIOL 122 Exam 1 V1 | BIOL 122 Nutrition
in Health and Illness | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (BIOL122 Exam 1) | Concordia
1. A nurse is teaching a community class about the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Which
statement by a participant indicates a correct understanding of the Recommended Dietary
Allowance (RDA)?
A. It is the amount of a nutrient that meets the needs of 50% of the population.
B. It represents the intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of
nearly all healthy individuals in a group.
C. It is the highest level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse
health effects.
D. It is used when there is insufficient scientific evidence to establish an EAR.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation; The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is designed to meet the needs
of approximately 97% to 98% of healthy individuals in a specific life stage and gender
group. It is calculated based on the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and serves as a
goal for daily intake. Option A describes the EAR, while option C refers to the Tolerable
Upper Intake Level (UL).
,2. When calculating the caloric density of a food item containing 10 grams of fat, 20 grams of
carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein, what is the total kilocalorie count?
A. 140 kcal
B. 245 kcal
C. 210 kcal
D. 190 kcal
Correct Answer: D
Explanation; To calculate the total kilocalories, one must multiply the grams of each
macronutrient by its specific energy density. Fat provides 9 kcal/g, carbohydrates provide
4 kcal/g, and protein provides 4 kcal/g. Therefore, (10g x 9) + (20g x 4) + (5g x 4) = 90 + 80
+ 20 = 190 kcal.
3. A patient asks the nurse about the function of bile in the digestive process. Which response
by the nurse is most accurate?
A. Bile chemically digests proteins in the stomach.
B. Bile emulsifies large fat globules into smaller droplets to increase surface area for
enzymes.
C. Bile neutralizes the acidic chyme entering the small intestine.
D. Bile acts as a primary enzyme for the breakdown of complex carbohydrates.
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation; Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, serving primarily
to emulsify fats. This mechanical process breaks large fat droplets into smaller ones,
allowing pancreatic lipase to work more efficiently. Without bile, fat digestion and the
subsequent absorption of fat-soluble vitamins would be significantly impaired.
4. Which of the following describes the physiological state of ‘negative nitrogen balance’?
A. Nitrogen intake exceeds nitrogen excretion, common during pregnancy.
B. Nitrogen excretion exceeds nitrogen intake, often seen in severe trauma or starvation.
C. Nitrogen intake and excretion are equal, typical of healthy adults.
D. Nitrogen is stored exclusively in adipose tissue for long-term energy use.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation; Negative nitrogen balance occurs when the body excretes more nitrogen
than it takes in, indicating that body protein is being broken down faster than it is being
replaced. This condition is frequently observed in clinical settings involving fever, infection,
or severe burns. In contrast, positive nitrogen balance is associated with growth,
pregnancy, and tissue repair.
5. A nurse is evaluating a patient’s risk for chronic disease. Which of the following are
considered components of the ‘ABCD’ approach to nutritional assessment? (Select All That
Apply)
A. Anthropometric measurements (e.g., height, weight)
B. Biochemical tests (e.g., blood glucose, albumin)
, C. Clinical observations (e.g., skin integrity, hair texture)
D. Dietary evaluation (e.g., 24-hour recall)
E. Ancestry and genetic mapping
F. Attitude and psychological screening
Correct Answer: ABCD
Explanation; The ABCD acronym is a standard framework for comprehensive nutritional
assessment in clinical practice. Anthropometrics provide physical data, biochemical tests
offer internal physiological data, clinical observations identify physical signs of deficiency,
and dietary evaluation assesses actual intake. Genetics and psychological screening, while
important, are not part of this specific four-pillar model.
6. What is the primary site for the absorption of most nutrients in the human gastrointestinal
tract?
A. Stomach
B. Large Intestine
C. Esophagus
D. Small Intestine
Correct Answer: D
Explanation; The small intestine, specifically the duodenum and jejunum, is the primary
site for nutrient absorption due to its specialized structure. The presence of villi and
in Health and Illness | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (BIOL122 Exam 1) | Concordia
1. A nurse is teaching a community class about the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Which
statement by a participant indicates a correct understanding of the Recommended Dietary
Allowance (RDA)?
A. It is the amount of a nutrient that meets the needs of 50% of the population.
B. It represents the intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of
nearly all healthy individuals in a group.
C. It is the highest level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse
health effects.
D. It is used when there is insufficient scientific evidence to establish an EAR.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation; The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is designed to meet the needs
of approximately 97% to 98% of healthy individuals in a specific life stage and gender
group. It is calculated based on the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and serves as a
goal for daily intake. Option A describes the EAR, while option C refers to the Tolerable
Upper Intake Level (UL).
,2. When calculating the caloric density of a food item containing 10 grams of fat, 20 grams of
carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein, what is the total kilocalorie count?
A. 140 kcal
B. 245 kcal
C. 210 kcal
D. 190 kcal
Correct Answer: D
Explanation; To calculate the total kilocalories, one must multiply the grams of each
macronutrient by its specific energy density. Fat provides 9 kcal/g, carbohydrates provide
4 kcal/g, and protein provides 4 kcal/g. Therefore, (10g x 9) + (20g x 4) + (5g x 4) = 90 + 80
+ 20 = 190 kcal.
3. A patient asks the nurse about the function of bile in the digestive process. Which response
by the nurse is most accurate?
A. Bile chemically digests proteins in the stomach.
B. Bile emulsifies large fat globules into smaller droplets to increase surface area for
enzymes.
C. Bile neutralizes the acidic chyme entering the small intestine.
D. Bile acts as a primary enzyme for the breakdown of complex carbohydrates.
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation; Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, serving primarily
to emulsify fats. This mechanical process breaks large fat droplets into smaller ones,
allowing pancreatic lipase to work more efficiently. Without bile, fat digestion and the
subsequent absorption of fat-soluble vitamins would be significantly impaired.
4. Which of the following describes the physiological state of ‘negative nitrogen balance’?
A. Nitrogen intake exceeds nitrogen excretion, common during pregnancy.
B. Nitrogen excretion exceeds nitrogen intake, often seen in severe trauma or starvation.
C. Nitrogen intake and excretion are equal, typical of healthy adults.
D. Nitrogen is stored exclusively in adipose tissue for long-term energy use.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation; Negative nitrogen balance occurs when the body excretes more nitrogen
than it takes in, indicating that body protein is being broken down faster than it is being
replaced. This condition is frequently observed in clinical settings involving fever, infection,
or severe burns. In contrast, positive nitrogen balance is associated with growth,
pregnancy, and tissue repair.
5. A nurse is evaluating a patient’s risk for chronic disease. Which of the following are
considered components of the ‘ABCD’ approach to nutritional assessment? (Select All That
Apply)
A. Anthropometric measurements (e.g., height, weight)
B. Biochemical tests (e.g., blood glucose, albumin)
, C. Clinical observations (e.g., skin integrity, hair texture)
D. Dietary evaluation (e.g., 24-hour recall)
E. Ancestry and genetic mapping
F. Attitude and psychological screening
Correct Answer: ABCD
Explanation; The ABCD acronym is a standard framework for comprehensive nutritional
assessment in clinical practice. Anthropometrics provide physical data, biochemical tests
offer internal physiological data, clinical observations identify physical signs of deficiency,
and dietary evaluation assesses actual intake. Genetics and psychological screening, while
important, are not part of this specific four-pillar model.
6. What is the primary site for the absorption of most nutrients in the human gastrointestinal
tract?
A. Stomach
B. Large Intestine
C. Esophagus
D. Small Intestine
Correct Answer: D
Explanation; The small intestine, specifically the duodenum and jejunum, is the primary
site for nutrient absorption due to its specialized structure. The presence of villi and
