NCLEX : Nutrition

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #463 : Nclex

Which age group has the highest risk for physiological changes due to malnutrition?

Possible Answers:

1-18

Over 72

Over 60

12-24

Correct answer:

1-18

Explanation:

Children ages 1-18 are at the highest risk for physiological changes due to malnutrition. Significant nutritional deficiencies at this age can cause failure to thrive, stunted growth, long-term brain damage, and increased incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic disease later in life.

Example Question #31 : Nutrition

Which of the following minerals must be supplemented in a patient who is on a long-term laxative prescription?

Possible Answers:

Manganese and selenium

Zinc and copper

Magnesium and chromium

Calcium and potassium

Correct answer:

Calcium and potassium

Explanation:

Prolonged laxative use can lead to hypokalemia and hypocalcemia. This is due to alterations in gastrointestinal absorption and excretion of potassium and calcium. Magnesium can also be depleted during long-term laxative use, but chromium is unlikely to be affected. Zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium are also not generally impacted by normal laxative use.

Example Question #158 : General Biology

Which of the following foods is highest in vitamin k?

Possible Answers:

Sweet potatoes

Beets

Dark leafy greens

Pumpkin

Correct answer:

Dark leafy greens

Explanation:

Dark leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and chard have among the highest levels of vitamin K of any food. The other foods listed: beets, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin all have very low vitamin K content, and are safe for a patient on a warfarin diet.

Example Question #161 : Other General Biology

Which of the following foods would be unsafe to consume for a patient taking atorvastatin?

Possible Answers:

Dark leafy greens

Orange juice

Grapefruit

Fish

Correct answer:

Grapefruit

Explanation:

Grapefruit can decrease the activity of cytochrome P450, one of the body's most important detoxification pathways, by as much as 30%. Consumption of grapefruit while on certain medications, including atorvastatin, can lead to toxic levels of the drug. All other foods listed are safe for patients to consume while taking atorvastatin.

Example Question #33 : Nutrition

Which of the following foods should be avoided in patients who are taking a potassium sparing diuretic, such as Amiloride?

Possible Answers:

Red meat

Orange juice

Alcohol

Tree nuts

Correct answer:

Orange juice

Explanation:

Patients who are taking potassium sparing diuretics must be counseled to eat a diet low in potassium. This is due to the fact that consumption of potassium-rich foods, such as orange juice, can lead to dangerously high potassium levels. Excess potassium levels can cause heart arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

Example Question #467 : Nclex

A low potassium diet would be recommended for a patient with which of the following conditions?

Possible Answers:

Gallstones

Diabetic neuropathy

Liver failure

Kidney failure

Correct answer:

Kidney failure

Explanation:

The kidney is the main route of potassium excretion in the body. During kidney failure, the kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium from the blood. This can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause nausea, weakness, numbness, arrhythmia, and cardiac arrest.

Example Question #34 : Nutrition

Allicin, a compound with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-thrombotic properties, is found in which of the following foods? 

Possible Answers:

Broccoli

Cocoa

Cold water fish

Garlic

Correct answer:

Garlic

Explanation:

Allicin is found primarily in garlic, and has a variety of properties that are beneficial to the health. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, it can reduce atherosclerosis, decrease blood pressure, and act as a mild antioxidant.

Example Question #162 : Other General Biology

Which of the following is the best source of omega 3 fatty acids?

Possible Answers:

Ground flax seeds

Grapeseed oil

Shrimp

Wheat germ oil

Correct answer:

Ground flax seeds

Explanation:

Half an ounce of ground flax seeds provides over 130% of the dietary reference intake (DRI) of omega 3 fatty acids. An equivalent serving of shrimp is able to provide 15% of the DRI. Wheat germ oil and grapeseed oil are both good sources of omega 6 fatty acids but are not significant sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

Example Question #161 : Other General Biology

Which of the following is thought to reduce pain by depletion of substance P when applied topically? 

Possible Answers:

Capsaicin

Curcumin

Polypeptide-P

Charantin

Correct answer:

Capsaicin

Explanation:

Capsaicin, found in cayenne peppers and other species of plants in the genus Capsicum, is used in topical analgesic creams to reduce joint and muscular pain. It is thought to work by depletion of substance P in the sensory nerves.

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