SCI 131 Final Exam V1 | SCI 131
Introduction to Nutrition | Q&A with
Rationale (SCI131Final Exam ) |
Nightingale College
1. Which of the following macronutrients provides 9 calories per gram and serves as the
body’s most concentrated source of energy?
A. Fats
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Vitamins
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fats provide the highest caloric density of all macronutrients at 9 kcal/g. In
contrast, both carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kcal/g. Understanding caloric density
is essential for managing energy balance and dietary intake in clinical nutrition settings.
2. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia. This condition is typically
caused by a deficiency in which of the following?
A. Iron
B. Folic Acid
C. Vitamin B12
,D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is specifically caused by the body’s inability to absorb
Vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach. Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein
produced by parietal cells that is necessary for B12 absorption in the ileum. Without this
process, red blood cell production is impaired, leading to macrocytic anemia.
3. Which organ is the primary site for the absorption of nutrients in the human digestive
system?
A. Stomach
B. Large Intestine
C. Esophagus
D. Small Intestine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The small intestine, specifically the jejunum and ileum, is where the majority of
nutrient absorption occurs. It features a large surface area facilitated by villi and microvilli
to maximize efficiency. While the stomach begins protein digestion, it absorbs very few
nutrients compared to the small intestine.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘complete’ protein source, meaning it contains all
essential amino acids?
A. Beans
, B. Eggs
C. Rice
D. Whole Wheat Bread
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Animal-based foods like eggs, dairy, and meat are considered complete proteins
because they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize. Most
plant-based proteins are ‘incomplete’ as they lack one or more of these specific amino
acids. For individuals on plant-based diets, combining different protein sources is
necessary to ensure a complete amino acid profile.
5. What is the recommended range for a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) in adults?
A. 15.5 - 18.4
B. 25.0 - 29.9
C. 18.5 - 24.9
D. 30.0 - 34.9
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is clinically defined as the healthy weight range
for adults. Values below 18.5 are considered underweight, while values 25.0 and above
indicate overweight or obesity. Although BMI does not account for muscle mass vs. fat
mass, it is a widely used screening tool in clinical settings.
Introduction to Nutrition | Q&A with
Rationale (SCI131Final Exam ) |
Nightingale College
1. Which of the following macronutrients provides 9 calories per gram and serves as the
body’s most concentrated source of energy?
A. Fats
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Vitamins
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fats provide the highest caloric density of all macronutrients at 9 kcal/g. In
contrast, both carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kcal/g. Understanding caloric density
is essential for managing energy balance and dietary intake in clinical nutrition settings.
2. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia. This condition is typically
caused by a deficiency in which of the following?
A. Iron
B. Folic Acid
C. Vitamin B12
,D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is specifically caused by the body’s inability to absorb
Vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach. Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein
produced by parietal cells that is necessary for B12 absorption in the ileum. Without this
process, red blood cell production is impaired, leading to macrocytic anemia.
3. Which organ is the primary site for the absorption of nutrients in the human digestive
system?
A. Stomach
B. Large Intestine
C. Esophagus
D. Small Intestine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The small intestine, specifically the jejunum and ileum, is where the majority of
nutrient absorption occurs. It features a large surface area facilitated by villi and microvilli
to maximize efficiency. While the stomach begins protein digestion, it absorbs very few
nutrients compared to the small intestine.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘complete’ protein source, meaning it contains all
essential amino acids?
A. Beans
, B. Eggs
C. Rice
D. Whole Wheat Bread
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Animal-based foods like eggs, dairy, and meat are considered complete proteins
because they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize. Most
plant-based proteins are ‘incomplete’ as they lack one or more of these specific amino
acids. For individuals on plant-based diets, combining different protein sources is
necessary to ensure a complete amino acid profile.
5. What is the recommended range for a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) in adults?
A. 15.5 - 18.4
B. 25.0 - 29.9
C. 18.5 - 24.9
D. 30.0 - 34.9
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is clinically defined as the healthy weight range
for adults. Values below 18.5 are considered underweight, while values 25.0 and above
indicate overweight or obesity. Although BMI does not account for muscle mass vs. fat
mass, it is a widely used screening tool in clinical settings.
