SCI 131 Exam 3 V1 | SCI 131 Introduction
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. What is the recommended weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with a pre-
pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) in the ‘normal’ range (18.5–24.9)?
A. 11–20 lbs
B. 25–35 lbs
C. 28–40 lbs
D. 15–25 lbs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For women with a healthy pre-pregnancy weight, the recommended gain is 25
to 35 pounds to support optimal fetal development. This range is designed to reduce the
risk of low birth weight while also preventing excessive maternal weight retention.
Monitoring weight gain throughout each trimester is essential for ensuring maternal and
neonatal health.
2. Which nutrient is specifically prioritized during the periconceptional period to prevent
neural tube defects (NTDs)?
A. Vitamin C
B. Folic Acid
,C. Vitamin A
D. Calcium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Folic acid is critical for DNA synthesis and the proper closure of the neural tube
within the first few weeks of gestation. Health organizations recommend a daily intake of
400 to 800 mcg for all women of childbearing age because many pregnancies are
unplanned. Sufficient folate levels significantly decrease the incidence of spina bifida and
anencephaly.
3. Which of the following is a characteristic of colostrum, the first milk produced by the
mother?
A. High in fat and low in protein
B. Produced in large volumes immediately after birth
C. Extremely high in lactose to provide energy
D. Rich in antibodies and lower in fat than mature milk
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Colostrum is often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ because it is densely packed with
immunoglobulins and white blood cells that provide the infant’s first immunity. It contains
less fat and lactose compared to mature milk, making it easier for the newborn’s immature
digestive system to process. Despite its low volume, it is perfectly suited to the small
stomach capacity of a newborn.
, 4. At what age is it typically recommended to introduce solid foods, such as iron-fortified rice
cereal, to an infant?
A. 4 to 6 months
B. 2 to 3 months
C. 8 to 10 months
D. 12 months
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Around 4 to 6 months of age, an infant’s iron stores from birth begin to deplete,
and they develop the physiological readiness for solid foods. Key developmental signs
include sitting with support and the disappearance of the extrusion reflex. Starting with
iron-fortified single-grain cereals helps meet the infant’s increasing nutritional demands.
5. Which food should be strictly avoided in children under 1 year of age due to the risk of
botulism?
A. Cow’s milk
B. Strawberries
C. Honey
D. Peanut butter
Correct Answer: C
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. What is the recommended weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with a pre-
pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) in the ‘normal’ range (18.5–24.9)?
A. 11–20 lbs
B. 25–35 lbs
C. 28–40 lbs
D. 15–25 lbs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For women with a healthy pre-pregnancy weight, the recommended gain is 25
to 35 pounds to support optimal fetal development. This range is designed to reduce the
risk of low birth weight while also preventing excessive maternal weight retention.
Monitoring weight gain throughout each trimester is essential for ensuring maternal and
neonatal health.
2. Which nutrient is specifically prioritized during the periconceptional period to prevent
neural tube defects (NTDs)?
A. Vitamin C
B. Folic Acid
,C. Vitamin A
D. Calcium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Folic acid is critical for DNA synthesis and the proper closure of the neural tube
within the first few weeks of gestation. Health organizations recommend a daily intake of
400 to 800 mcg for all women of childbearing age because many pregnancies are
unplanned. Sufficient folate levels significantly decrease the incidence of spina bifida and
anencephaly.
3. Which of the following is a characteristic of colostrum, the first milk produced by the
mother?
A. High in fat and low in protein
B. Produced in large volumes immediately after birth
C. Extremely high in lactose to provide energy
D. Rich in antibodies and lower in fat than mature milk
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Colostrum is often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ because it is densely packed with
immunoglobulins and white blood cells that provide the infant’s first immunity. It contains
less fat and lactose compared to mature milk, making it easier for the newborn’s immature
digestive system to process. Despite its low volume, it is perfectly suited to the small
stomach capacity of a newborn.
, 4. At what age is it typically recommended to introduce solid foods, such as iron-fortified rice
cereal, to an infant?
A. 4 to 6 months
B. 2 to 3 months
C. 8 to 10 months
D. 12 months
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Around 4 to 6 months of age, an infant’s iron stores from birth begin to deplete,
and they develop the physiological readiness for solid foods. Key developmental signs
include sitting with support and the disappearance of the extrusion reflex. Starting with
iron-fortified single-grain cereals helps meet the infant’s increasing nutritional demands.
5. Which food should be strictly avoided in children under 1 year of age due to the risk of
botulism?
A. Cow’s milk
B. Strawberries
C. Honey
D. Peanut butter
Correct Answer: C