SCI 131 Exam 2 V2 | SCI 131 Introduction
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 2) | Nightingale College
1. A patient presents with poor wound healing and bleeding gums. Which vitamin deficiency
should the nurse suspect?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is a structural protein
necessary for wound healing and maintaining the integrity of blood vessels. A deficiency in
Vitamin C leads to scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums and impaired healing. The nurse
must recognize these clinical manifestations to provide appropriate dietary interventions.
2. Which of the following describes the primary function of Vitamin K in the body?
A. Acting as an antioxidant
B. Facilitating blood clotting
C. Supporting night vision
D. Regulating calcium levels
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin K is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in the coagulation cascade,
specifically the synthesis of prothrombin. Without adequate Vitamin K, the blood cannot
clot properly, leading to an increased risk of hemorrhage. It is frequently administered to
newborns because they are born with low stores of this fat-soluble vitamin.
3. A client has been diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia. Which vitamin is most likely lacking
due to a deficiency in intrinsic factor?
A. Vitamin B6
B. Thiamin
C. Folate
D. Vitamin B12
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein secreted by the stomach that is required for the
absorption of Vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Pernicious anemia occurs when the body
cannot produce enough intrinsic factor, leading to a deficiency. This condition requires
lifelong supplementation, often via intramuscular injections, to bypass the digestive tract.
4. Which electrolyte is the primary intracellular cation responsible for maintaining fluid
balance and nerve transmission?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
, C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Potassium is the major cation found inside the body cells and is vital for
maintaining cellular osmolarity. It plays a critical role in the transmission of nerve impulses
and the contraction of muscles, including the heart. Imbalances in potassium levels can lead
to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
5. Which mineral is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, T3 and T4?
A. Iodine
B. Zinc
C. Iron
D. Copper
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Iodine is a trace mineral that the thyroid gland uses to produce thyroxine and
triiodothyronine. These hormones regulate the body’s metabolic rate and are crucial for
growth and development. A chronic deficiency in iodine can result in the formation of a
goiter or hypothyroidism.
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 2) | Nightingale College
1. A patient presents with poor wound healing and bleeding gums. Which vitamin deficiency
should the nurse suspect?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is a structural protein
necessary for wound healing and maintaining the integrity of blood vessels. A deficiency in
Vitamin C leads to scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums and impaired healing. The nurse
must recognize these clinical manifestations to provide appropriate dietary interventions.
2. Which of the following describes the primary function of Vitamin K in the body?
A. Acting as an antioxidant
B. Facilitating blood clotting
C. Supporting night vision
D. Regulating calcium levels
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin K is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in the coagulation cascade,
specifically the synthesis of prothrombin. Without adequate Vitamin K, the blood cannot
clot properly, leading to an increased risk of hemorrhage. It is frequently administered to
newborns because they are born with low stores of this fat-soluble vitamin.
3. A client has been diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia. Which vitamin is most likely lacking
due to a deficiency in intrinsic factor?
A. Vitamin B6
B. Thiamin
C. Folate
D. Vitamin B12
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein secreted by the stomach that is required for the
absorption of Vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Pernicious anemia occurs when the body
cannot produce enough intrinsic factor, leading to a deficiency. This condition requires
lifelong supplementation, often via intramuscular injections, to bypass the digestive tract.
4. Which electrolyte is the primary intracellular cation responsible for maintaining fluid
balance and nerve transmission?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
, C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Potassium is the major cation found inside the body cells and is vital for
maintaining cellular osmolarity. It plays a critical role in the transmission of nerve impulses
and the contraction of muscles, including the heart. Imbalances in potassium levels can lead
to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
5. Which mineral is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, T3 and T4?
A. Iodine
B. Zinc
C. Iron
D. Copper
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Iodine is a trace mineral that the thyroid gland uses to produce thyroxine and
triiodothyronine. These hormones regulate the body’s metabolic rate and are crucial for
growth and development. A chronic deficiency in iodine can result in the formation of a
goiter or hypothyroidism.