SCI 131 Exam 4 V3 | SCI 131 Introduction
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 4) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse is providing prenatal education to a client in her first trimester. Which of the
following nutrients should the nurse emphasize to prevent neural tube defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Calcium
C. Iron
D. Folate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and the closure of the neural tube during
early embryonic development. Deficiencies during the first few weeks of pregnancy can
lead to permanent spinal cord damage such as spina bifida. The current RDA for pregnant
women is 600 micrograms per day to support fetal growth.
2. Which of the following describes the ‘set-point theory’ regarding weight management?
A. Weight is determined solely by the number of fat cells present at birth.
B. The body has a biologically predetermined weight that it tries to maintain.
C. Metabolism increases significantly only when caloric intake is very low.
D. Environmental factors are the only drivers of long-term weight gain.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The set-point theory suggests that the body possesses internal regulatory
mechanisms that resist weight change. When a person loses weight, the body may respond
by increasing hunger and slowing metabolic rate to return to its ‘set’ weight. This theory
helps explain why many individuals struggle to maintain long-term weight loss.
3. What is the primary function of the hormone ghrelin in the human body?
A. To stimulate appetite and promote food intake
B. To signal the brain to stop eating when full
C. To regulate blood glucose levels after a meal
D. To increase the rate of fat oxidation in muscles
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ghrelin is often referred to as the ‘hunger hormone’ because it is secreted by
the stomach to signal the hypothalamus to stimulate appetite. Levels typically rise before a
meal and drop significantly after eating. Understanding ghrelin is critical for managing
obesity treatments and hunger signals.
4. An older adult client is diagnosed with atrophic gastritis. Which nutrient deficiency is the
client at highest risk for developing?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin K
, C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin B12
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atrophic gastritis leads to a decrease in stomach acid and intrinsic factor
production, both of which are required for Vitamin B12 absorption. Without intrinsic
factor, B12 cannot be absorbed in the ileum, potentially leading to pernicious anemia.
Nurses should monitor these clients for neurological symptoms associated with B12
deficiency.
5. What is the ‘Temperature Danger Zone’ for food safety as defined by the USDA?
A. 32°F to 100°F
B. 0°F to 40°F
C. 60°F to 160°F
D. 40°F to 140°F
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Temperature Danger Zone is the range between 40°F and 140°F where
bacteria multiply most rapidly. Perishable foods should not be left in this range for more
than two hours to prevent foodborne illness. Keeping cold foods below 40°F and hot foods
above 140°F is a fundamental principle of clinical food safety.
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 4) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse is providing prenatal education to a client in her first trimester. Which of the
following nutrients should the nurse emphasize to prevent neural tube defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Calcium
C. Iron
D. Folate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and the closure of the neural tube during
early embryonic development. Deficiencies during the first few weeks of pregnancy can
lead to permanent spinal cord damage such as spina bifida. The current RDA for pregnant
women is 600 micrograms per day to support fetal growth.
2. Which of the following describes the ‘set-point theory’ regarding weight management?
A. Weight is determined solely by the number of fat cells present at birth.
B. The body has a biologically predetermined weight that it tries to maintain.
C. Metabolism increases significantly only when caloric intake is very low.
D. Environmental factors are the only drivers of long-term weight gain.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The set-point theory suggests that the body possesses internal regulatory
mechanisms that resist weight change. When a person loses weight, the body may respond
by increasing hunger and slowing metabolic rate to return to its ‘set’ weight. This theory
helps explain why many individuals struggle to maintain long-term weight loss.
3. What is the primary function of the hormone ghrelin in the human body?
A. To stimulate appetite and promote food intake
B. To signal the brain to stop eating when full
C. To regulate blood glucose levels after a meal
D. To increase the rate of fat oxidation in muscles
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ghrelin is often referred to as the ‘hunger hormone’ because it is secreted by
the stomach to signal the hypothalamus to stimulate appetite. Levels typically rise before a
meal and drop significantly after eating. Understanding ghrelin is critical for managing
obesity treatments and hunger signals.
4. An older adult client is diagnosed with atrophic gastritis. Which nutrient deficiency is the
client at highest risk for developing?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin K
, C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin B12
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atrophic gastritis leads to a decrease in stomach acid and intrinsic factor
production, both of which are required for Vitamin B12 absorption. Without intrinsic
factor, B12 cannot be absorbed in the ileum, potentially leading to pernicious anemia.
Nurses should monitor these clients for neurological symptoms associated with B12
deficiency.
5. What is the ‘Temperature Danger Zone’ for food safety as defined by the USDA?
A. 32°F to 100°F
B. 0°F to 40°F
C. 60°F to 160°F
D. 40°F to 140°F
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Temperature Danger Zone is the range between 40°F and 140°F where
bacteria multiply most rapidly. Perishable foods should not be left in this range for more
than two hours to prevent foodborne illness. Keeping cold foods below 40°F and hot foods
above 140°F is a fundamental principle of clinical food safety.
