SCI 131 Exam 2 V1 | SCI 131 Introduction
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 2) | Nightingale College
1. A patient presents with symptoms of night blindness and dry skin. Which fat-soluble
vitamin deficiency should the nurse suspect?
A. Vitamin D
B. Vitamin A
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin E
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin A is essential for the maintenance of healthy vision, specifically the
adaptation to changes in light. Deficiency often manifests as xerophthalmia or night
blindness due to the lack of rhodopsin. Additionally, Vitamin A plays a vital role in
epithelial cell integrity, so deficiency can cause keratinization of the skin.
2. Which of the following describes the primary function of Vitamin K in the human body?
A. Antioxidant protection of cell membranes
B. Enhancement of calcium absorption
C. Synthesis of blood-clotting proteins
D. Regulation of metabolic rate
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vitamin K acts as a coenzyme for the carboxylation of glutamate residues in
several blood-clotting factors, such as prothrombin. Without sufficient Vitamin K, the blood
cannot clot properly, leading to an increased risk of hemorrhage. This vitamin is found in
green leafy vegetables and is also synthesized by bacteria in the human gut.
3. A pregnant woman is advised to increase her intake of folate. What is the primary reason
for this recommendation during the first trimester?
A. To prevent gestational diabetes
B. To increase maternal blood volume
C. To ensure proper bone mineralization in the fetus
D. To reduce the risk of neural tube defects
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Folate is critical for DNA synthesis and cell division, which are highly active
during early embryonic development. Adequate levels of folate help ensure the proper
closure of the neural tube within the first 28 days of pregnancy. Failure of this closure can
result in severe birth defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about water-soluble vitamins. Which statement by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. They are stored in large amounts in the liver.
B. They are more likely to cause toxicity than fat-soluble vitamins.
, C. They require bile for absorption in the small intestine.
D. Excess amounts are excreted through the urine.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Water-soluble vitamins, including the B-complex group and Vitamin C, are not
stored in significant quantities in the body. Because they dissolve in water, the kidneys
filter excess amounts and excrete them through urine. This characteristic necessitates a
regular daily intake to prevent deficiencies from occurring quickly.
5. Which mineral is most closely associated with the regulation of fluid balance outside the
cells (extracellular fluid)?
A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Magnesium
D. Sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sodium is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid and is responsible for
maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid volume. The body regulates sodium levels through
the action of the kidneys and hormones like aldosterone. Excessive sodium intake is often
linked to hypertension due to increased water retention in the vascular system.
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 2) | Nightingale College
1. A patient presents with symptoms of night blindness and dry skin. Which fat-soluble
vitamin deficiency should the nurse suspect?
A. Vitamin D
B. Vitamin A
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin E
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin A is essential for the maintenance of healthy vision, specifically the
adaptation to changes in light. Deficiency often manifests as xerophthalmia or night
blindness due to the lack of rhodopsin. Additionally, Vitamin A plays a vital role in
epithelial cell integrity, so deficiency can cause keratinization of the skin.
2. Which of the following describes the primary function of Vitamin K in the human body?
A. Antioxidant protection of cell membranes
B. Enhancement of calcium absorption
C. Synthesis of blood-clotting proteins
D. Regulation of metabolic rate
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vitamin K acts as a coenzyme for the carboxylation of glutamate residues in
several blood-clotting factors, such as prothrombin. Without sufficient Vitamin K, the blood
cannot clot properly, leading to an increased risk of hemorrhage. This vitamin is found in
green leafy vegetables and is also synthesized by bacteria in the human gut.
3. A pregnant woman is advised to increase her intake of folate. What is the primary reason
for this recommendation during the first trimester?
A. To prevent gestational diabetes
B. To increase maternal blood volume
C. To ensure proper bone mineralization in the fetus
D. To reduce the risk of neural tube defects
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Folate is critical for DNA synthesis and cell division, which are highly active
during early embryonic development. Adequate levels of folate help ensure the proper
closure of the neural tube within the first 28 days of pregnancy. Failure of this closure can
result in severe birth defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about water-soluble vitamins. Which statement by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. They are stored in large amounts in the liver.
B. They are more likely to cause toxicity than fat-soluble vitamins.
, C. They require bile for absorption in the small intestine.
D. Excess amounts are excreted through the urine.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Water-soluble vitamins, including the B-complex group and Vitamin C, are not
stored in significant quantities in the body. Because they dissolve in water, the kidneys
filter excess amounts and excrete them through urine. This characteristic necessitates a
regular daily intake to prevent deficiencies from occurring quickly.
5. Which mineral is most closely associated with the regulation of fluid balance outside the
cells (extracellular fluid)?
A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Magnesium
D. Sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sodium is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid and is responsible for
maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid volume. The body regulates sodium levels through
the action of the kidneys and hormones like aldosterone. Excessive sodium intake is often
linked to hypertension due to increased water retention in the vascular system.
