SCI 131 Exam 3 V3 | SCI 131 Introduction
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse is teaching a community health class about body mass index (BMI). Which of the
following BMI ranges should the nurse identify as the classification for an ‘overweight’ adult?
A. 18.5 to 24.9
B. Less than 18.5
C. 30.0 to 34.9
D. 25.0 to 29.9
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The classification for overweight is defined as a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9
kg/m2. This measurement provides a standard tool for healthcare providers to assess
potential health risks related to body weight. A BMI of 30 or higher is categorized as obese,
while 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal weight.
2. A pregnant client asks the nurse why she needs to take a folic acid supplement. Which
response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
B. Folic acid is necessary for the development of fetal skeletal structures.
C. It reduces the risk of the mother developing gestational diabetes.
,D. It is required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate folate intake is critical during the periconceptional period and early
pregnancy to ensure proper neural tube development. Deficiencies during these early
weeks can lead to severe birth defects like spina bifida or anencephaly. The CDC
recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid daily.
3. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for sarcopenia. Which of the following
physiological changes is associated with this condition?
A. Loss of bone density leading to fractures.
B. Increase in total body water and extracellular fluid.
C. Increased metabolic rate and energy expenditure.
D. Loss of muscle mass and strength due to aging.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength.
This condition increases the risk of falls, disability, and loss of independence in the elderly
population. Nursing interventions should focus on adequate protein intake and resistance
exercise to mitigate these effects.
4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parents of a 6-month-old infant. Which of
the following foods should the nurse instruct the parents to avoid to prevent botulism?
A. Honey
, B. Iron-fortified rice cereal
C. Mashed bananas
D. Whole cow’s milk
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Honey should never be given to infants under 12 months of age because it can
contain Clostridium botulinum spores. An infant’s immature digestive system is unable to
prevent the growth of these spores, which can lead to life-threatening infant botulism.
Parents should be educated on this safety precaution to prevent neurotoxin exposure.
5. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the ‘let-down reflex’ during breastfeeding?
A. Oxytocin
B. Estrogen
C. Progesterone
D. Prolactin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is the hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland in response
to infant suckling, causing the milk to be ejected into the ducts. Prolactin, conversely, is
responsible for the actual production of milk within the alveoli. The let-down reflex can
also be triggered by the sound of a baby crying or other emotional stimuli.
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 3) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse is teaching a community health class about body mass index (BMI). Which of the
following BMI ranges should the nurse identify as the classification for an ‘overweight’ adult?
A. 18.5 to 24.9
B. Less than 18.5
C. 30.0 to 34.9
D. 25.0 to 29.9
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The classification for overweight is defined as a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9
kg/m2. This measurement provides a standard tool for healthcare providers to assess
potential health risks related to body weight. A BMI of 30 or higher is categorized as obese,
while 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal weight.
2. A pregnant client asks the nurse why she needs to take a folic acid supplement. Which
response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
B. Folic acid is necessary for the development of fetal skeletal structures.
C. It reduces the risk of the mother developing gestational diabetes.
,D. It is required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate folate intake is critical during the periconceptional period and early
pregnancy to ensure proper neural tube development. Deficiencies during these early
weeks can lead to severe birth defects like spina bifida or anencephaly. The CDC
recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid daily.
3. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for sarcopenia. Which of the following
physiological changes is associated with this condition?
A. Loss of bone density leading to fractures.
B. Increase in total body water and extracellular fluid.
C. Increased metabolic rate and energy expenditure.
D. Loss of muscle mass and strength due to aging.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength.
This condition increases the risk of falls, disability, and loss of independence in the elderly
population. Nursing interventions should focus on adequate protein intake and resistance
exercise to mitigate these effects.
4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parents of a 6-month-old infant. Which of
the following foods should the nurse instruct the parents to avoid to prevent botulism?
A. Honey
, B. Iron-fortified rice cereal
C. Mashed bananas
D. Whole cow’s milk
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Honey should never be given to infants under 12 months of age because it can
contain Clostridium botulinum spores. An infant’s immature digestive system is unable to
prevent the growth of these spores, which can lead to life-threatening infant botulism.
Parents should be educated on this safety precaution to prevent neurotoxin exposure.
5. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the ‘let-down reflex’ during breastfeeding?
A. Oxytocin
B. Estrogen
C. Progesterone
D. Prolactin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is the hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland in response
to infant suckling, causing the milk to be ejected into the ducts. Prolactin, conversely, is
responsible for the actual production of milk within the alveoli. The let-down reflex can
also be triggered by the sound of a baby crying or other emotional stimuli.
