SCI 131 Exam 1 V2 | SCI 131 Introduction
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 1) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse is educating a patient on macronutrients. Which of the following provides the most
energy per gram?
A. Lipids
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Vitamins
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lipids, or fats, provide 9 kilocalories per gram, which is more than double the
energy provided by carbohydrates or proteins. Carbohydrates and proteins both provide
approximately 4 kilocalories per gram. Understanding energy density is crucial for
managing a patient’s caloric intake and weight goals.
2. The nurse recognizes that which Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) represents the average
daily intake level sufficient for 97% to 98% of healthy individuals?
A. Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
B. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
C. Adequate Intake (AI)
,D. Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is designed to meet the needs of
nearly all healthy people in a specific life stage and gender group. It is calculated based on
the EAR with an added safety margin to account for individual variation. This value serves
as a primary goal for nutritional adequacy in clinical diet planning.
3. Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the initiation of carbohydrate digestion in the
mouth?
A. Pepsin
B. Salivary amylase
C. Lingual lipase
D. Trypsin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Salivary amylase is secreted by the salivary glands and begins the breakdown of
complex starches into smaller polysaccharides. This process is brief, as the enzyme is
inactivated by the acidic environment of the stomach. Effective mastication ensures that
this enzyme is properly mixed with food for optimal chemical digestion.
4. When assessing a patient’s diet, the nurse defines ‘essential nutrients’ as those that:
A. The body can synthesize in sufficient quantities.
, B. Must be obtained from food because the body cannot make them.
C. Provide only flavor to the diet.
D. Are only found in animal-based products.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Essential nutrients are substances the body requires for physiological function
but cannot produce internally or in adequate amounts. Examples include certain amino
acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Failure to consume these nutrients will eventually
lead to deficiency symptoms and impaired health.
5. Which of the following describes the ‘Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range’
(AMDR) for carbohydrates?
A. 45% to 65% of total calories
B. 20% to 35% of total calories
C. 10% to 35% of total calories
D. 50% to 70% of total calories
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The AMDR for carbohydrates is set at 45% to 65% of total daily energy intake
to ensure adequate fuel for the brain and muscles. Consuming carbohydrates within this
range helps prevent chronic diseases and provides sufficient fiber. It is important to
emphasize complex carbohydrates over simple sugars within this allocation.
to Nutrition | Q&A with Rationale (SCI131
Exam 1) | Nightingale College
1. A nurse is educating a patient on macronutrients. Which of the following provides the most
energy per gram?
A. Lipids
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Vitamins
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lipids, or fats, provide 9 kilocalories per gram, which is more than double the
energy provided by carbohydrates or proteins. Carbohydrates and proteins both provide
approximately 4 kilocalories per gram. Understanding energy density is crucial for
managing a patient’s caloric intake and weight goals.
2. The nurse recognizes that which Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) represents the average
daily intake level sufficient for 97% to 98% of healthy individuals?
A. Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
B. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
C. Adequate Intake (AI)
,D. Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is designed to meet the needs of
nearly all healthy people in a specific life stage and gender group. It is calculated based on
the EAR with an added safety margin to account for individual variation. This value serves
as a primary goal for nutritional adequacy in clinical diet planning.
3. Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the initiation of carbohydrate digestion in the
mouth?
A. Pepsin
B. Salivary amylase
C. Lingual lipase
D. Trypsin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Salivary amylase is secreted by the salivary glands and begins the breakdown of
complex starches into smaller polysaccharides. This process is brief, as the enzyme is
inactivated by the acidic environment of the stomach. Effective mastication ensures that
this enzyme is properly mixed with food for optimal chemical digestion.
4. When assessing a patient’s diet, the nurse defines ‘essential nutrients’ as those that:
A. The body can synthesize in sufficient quantities.
, B. Must be obtained from food because the body cannot make them.
C. Provide only flavor to the diet.
D. Are only found in animal-based products.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Essential nutrients are substances the body requires for physiological function
but cannot produce internally or in adequate amounts. Examples include certain amino
acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Failure to consume these nutrients will eventually
lead to deficiency symptoms and impaired health.
5. Which of the following describes the ‘Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range’
(AMDR) for carbohydrates?
A. 45% to 65% of total calories
B. 20% to 35% of total calories
C. 10% to 35% of total calories
D. 50% to 70% of total calories
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The AMDR for carbohydrates is set at 45% to 65% of total daily energy intake
to ensure adequate fuel for the brain and muscles. Consuming carbohydrates within this
range helps prevent chronic diseases and provides sufficient fiber. It is important to
emphasize complex carbohydrates over simple sugars within this allocation.
