nutrition Flashcards
The nurse is teaching a patient about distinguishing between “good” fats and “bad” fats. Which type of fat is peanut butter?
Monounsaturated fat
Monounsaturated fats are good fats because they help develop and maintain the body’s cells. Sources include canola, olive, and peanut oils; sesame seeds; avocados; and cashews.
Polyunsaturated fat
Polyunsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk for heart disease. Sources include corn, safflower, sesame, soybean, and sunflower seed oils and fish.
Saturated / trans fat
Saturated fats are bad fats because they increase cholesterol, which increases risk for heart disease. Sources include meats, shortening, pastries, crackers, fried foods, cheese, ice cream, and processed foods.
A young adult female patient recently gave birth to a baby with a neural tube defect. The patient was most likely deficient in which B vitamin?
Folic acid (vitamin B9) Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, plays a critical role in neural tube formation.
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, assists in protein metabolism. Deficiencies in vitamin B6 are not associated with neural tube defects.
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is important for nutrient oxidation. Deficiencies in vitamin B3 are not associated with neural tube defects.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is important for nutrient oxidation.
Which statements are accurate regarding the process of catabolism?
Breaks complex substances into simpler substances
Catabolism breaks complex substances into simpler substances.
Correct
Results in a release of energy
Catabolism results in a release of energy.
The nurse is educating a patient regarding nutrition. Which nutrient would the nurse describe as a micronutrient?
Folic acid
Folic acid is a mineral, which is a micronutrient.
The student nurse is discussing weight loss and macronutrients with an adult patient. Whole wheat bread is a source for which macronutrient?
Complex carbohydrates
Whole wheat bread takes longer to break down before absorption and is therefore a complex carbohydrate.
The nurse is educating a family about nutrition. When discussing food choices for constipation prevention, which statement explains why the nurse would recommend choosing whole wheat bread over white bread?
Whole wheat is an insoluble fiber.
Insoluble fiber does not retain water but allows formation of bulk, resulting in the effective passage of end products of food through the intestines.
An obese male patient has a goal of losing 100 pounds and states that he is going to remove all fat from his diet. The student nurse advises him against this because fats have multiple functions. Which function would the student nurse describe to support this recommendation?
Fats help produce energy for the body.
Benefits of fat in the body include energy production, support and insulation of major organs and nerve fibers, and lubrication for body tissues.
Which foods would be ideal for a weight lifter to consume as a complete protein?
Eggs
Eggs are a complete protein.
A 30-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with chief complaints of headache associated with loss of concentration, dry mouth, and weakness after 2 days of diarrhea and vomiting. The patient is deficient in which macronutrient?
Water
Water is a macronutrient. Failure to meet the body’s hydration needs or loss of a disproportionate amount through excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can result in dehydration. Physical symptoms of dehydration include headaches and loss of concentration.
A student nurse is providing nutrition counseling to a patient regarding different types of vitamins. Which statement is an indicator that the patient needs further teaching?
“Vitamins produce energy.”
This is an incorrect statement, which shows the patient requires further teaching. Vitamins do not produce energy; however, they are crucial in chemical reactions in the body from macronutrients, such as fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Which vitamin should be prioritized for an older adult patient with osteoporosis?
Vitamin D
Vitamin D works in conjunction with minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, to develop and strengthen bones.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for synthesizing the proteins that cause the blood to clot. Deficiency of vitamin K can result in bruising and bleeding.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps the body synthesize the protein collagen, which is important in connective tissue growth and maintenance, wound healing, and repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from injury from free radicals, the accumulation of which can lead to the development of health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and various inflammatory conditions. Therefore vitamin E helps maintain a healthy immune system.
A patient has been diagnosed with poor anal sphincter tone. Which structure of the digestive system would be affected by this disorder?
Rectum
The rectum holds and expels feces via the anus. Poor anal sphincter tone may lead to fecal incontinence.
A patient’s basal metabolic rate (BMR) varies depending on which factor?
Physical and genetic makeup
A patient’s BMR, which is a calculation of the minimum amount of energy necessary to keep the body functioning, varies depending on physical and genetic makeup.
Which cognitive function would likely be affected when the patient’s temporal lobe is injured?
Speech
Speech is a cognitive function of the temporal lobe.
Correct
Behavior
Behavior is a cognitive function of the temporal lobe.
Memory (long-term)
Long-term memory is a cognitive function of the temporal lobe.
Where are tactile receptors located?
Dermis
Tactile receptors for the sense of touch are located in the dermis.
Correct
Subcutaneous tissue
Tactile receptors for the sense of touch are located in the subcutaneous tissue.
Which sense organ structure is responsible for equilibrium?
Semicircular canals
A second set of labyrinths in the inner ear, known as the semicircular canals, has receptor cells that interpret the head’s position and maintain a state of equilibrium/balance.
Which cerebral lobe is likely damaged when the patient is having difficulty with voluntary motor function?
Parietal
The parietal lobe is responsible for intelligence, language, and reading, not voluntary motor function.
brain
Frontal
The frontal lobe is responsible for voluntary motor function.
Parietal
The parietal lobe is responsible for intelligence, language, and reading, not voluntary motor function.
Occipital
The occipital lobe is responsible for vision, not voluntary motor function.
Temporal
The temporal lobe is responsible for behavior, long-term memory, and speech, not voluntary motor function.
Which normal age-related changes would the nurse expect to encounter when caring for an older adult patient?
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a normal age-related change in visual ability, so the nurse would expect this change.
Correct
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is a normal age-related change in hearing, so the nurse would expect this change.
Decreased taste
Decreased taste is associated with normal age-related changes, so the nurse would expect this change.
Correct
Anosmia
Anosmia is a decreased ability to sense odors as a result of normal age-related changes, so the nurse would expect this change.
Place in order the pathway a sensory impulse would travel to the brain.
Stimulates sensory receptor Enters spinal cord Decussates Travels to medulla oblongata Ascends to pons Travels to cerebrum
The sensory impulse travels in the following sequence: stimulates sensory receptor, enters spinal cord, decussates, travels to medulla oblongata, ascends to pons, and travels to cerebrum.
Which lifestyle factors can lead to hypertension and stroke?
Stress
Stress can lead to hypertension and stroke, which can alter sensation and cognitive functioning.
Correct
Obesity
Obesity can lead to hypertension and stroke, which can alter sensation and cognitive functioning.
Correct
Smoking
Smoking can lead to hypertension and stroke, which can alter sensation and cognitive functioning.
Which medications are ototoxic?
Gentamicin
Gentamicin is ototoxic, damaging to the ear.
Correct
Furosemide
Furosemide is ototoxic, damaging to the ear.
Correct
Aspirin
Aspirin is ototoxic, damaging to the ear.
Aminoglycosides
Aminoglycosides are ototoxic, damaging to the ear.
Which cranial nerve would the nurse suspect has been affected in a patient who uses cocaine and reports a diminished ability to smell?
First
The first cranial nerve (olfactory) regulates the sense of smell; thus the first cranial nerve is affected in a patient with diminished smell.
nerves
First
The first cranial nerve (olfactory) regulates the sense of smell; thus the first cranial nerve is affected in a patient with diminished smell.
Second
The second cranial nerve (optic) regulates the sense of vision, not smell.
Eighth
The eighth cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear) regulates the sense of hearing and balance/equilibrium, not smell.
Ninth
The ninth cranial nerve (glossopharyngeal) regulates the sense of taste, not smell.
Which sensation effects can result from smoking?
Diminished taste
Diminished taste is a sensation effect associated with smoking.
Correct
Reduced smell
Reduced smell is a sensation effect associated with smoking.
Match the sensation(s) to its cranial nerve(s).
First cranial nerve - Smell
Second cranial nerve - Vision
Eighth cranial nerve - Hearing and equilibrium
Seventh and ninth cranial nerves - Taste
Which lobe of the cerebrum would the nurse suspect has been affected when a patient has difficulty making decisions, is unable to focus on a topic being discussed, and has poor short-term memory?
Frontal
The frontal lobe is involved in communication, concentration, decision-making, and short-term memory.
brain
Frontal
The frontal lobe is involved in communication, concentration, decision-making, and short-term memory.
Parietal
The parietal lobe is involved in intelligence, language, and reading; it is not involved in decision-making, concentration, or short-term memory.
Occipital
The occipital lobe is involved in vision, a type of sensation, not cognition.
Temporal
The temporal lobe is involved in behavior, long-term memory, and speech; it is not involved in decision-making, concentration, or short-term memory.
Which patient findings are examples of impaired special senses?
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is an example of impaired hearing, a special sense.
Correct
Visual difficulties
Visual difficulties are examples of impaired vision, a special sense.
Inability to smell food
Inability to smell food is an example of impaired olfaction (smell), a special sense.
Which cranial nerve is likely affected when the patient experiences problems with hearing?
Vestibulocochlear
The eighth cranial nerve, the vestibulocochlear nerve, plays a role in hearing; thus if the patient is experiencing hearing problems, this nerve is affected.
Which special sense structure is responsible for color vision?
Cones
Cones are photoreceptors in the eye that sense color.
Which area of the brain is injured when a patient cannot speak properly from aphasia?
Temporal lobe
The temporal lobe is the part of the brain involved with speech, so an injury to this area can result in aphasia.
Which effect is associated with the administration of narcotic pain medications?
Decreased level of consciousness
An effect of narcotic pain medication is a decrease in level of consciousness.
Which findings indicate that a patient is experiencing an ototoxic effect?
Tinnitus
Tinnitus, ringing in the ears, is an example of an ototoxic effect because the inner ear cochlea helps patients hear.
Correct
Hearing loss
Hearing loss that may or may not be permanent is an example of an ototoxic effect.
Correct
Problems keeping balance
Problems keeping balance is an example of an ototoxic effect because the inner ear semicircular canals help patients maintain balance.
Correct
Issues with equilibrium
Issues with equilibrium is an example of an ototoxic effect because the inner ear semicircular canals help patients maintain balance.
Which information by the nurse indicates a correct understanding of cognition or sensation?
Alertness is controlled by the reticular activating system in the brain.
Alertness is controlled by the reticular activating system (RAS) located in the brain.
Which effects would the nurse expect to find when caring for a patient who uses street drugs?
Dizziness
Dizziness is an effect of street drug use.
Correct
Confusion
Confusion is an effect of street drug use.
Pupil size changes
Street drugs can cause changes in pupil size.
The patient has a health care provider prescription for NPO (nothing by mouth) and is complaining of a dry, sticky mouth. Which action would the nurse suggest to relieve the patient’s dry, sticky mouth?
Rinsing the mouth with water
Mouth care for NPO patients includes rinsing the mouth with water.
Brushing the teeth
Brushing teeth is part of mouth care for NPO patients.
Which foods should be avoided by a patient on a renal diet?
Foods high in potassium and phosphorus
Foods high in potassium and phosphorus should be avoided on a renal diet. Potassium and phosphorus can build up in the bloodstream of these patients. Too much potassium in the bloodstream can cause heart issues; too much phosphorus can cause calcium to be pulled from bones
diets
Foods with a high glycemic index should be avoided on a diabetic diet but are not of concern for renal diets.
Foods high in potassium and phosphorus should be avoided on a renal diet. Potassium and phosphorus can build up in the bloodstream of these patients. Too much potassium in the bloodstream can cause heart issues; too much phosphorus can cause calcium to be pulled from bones.
High-fiber foods do not need to be avoided on a renal diet.
High-sodium foods should be avoided on a cardiac diet but are not of concern for renal diets.
A patient who is borderline diabetic has expressed a desire to make lifestyle changes in an effort to avoid taking medications. Which dietary modification would be appropriate for this patient?
Eating high-fiber complex carbohydrates
High-fiber complex carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits are preferred to simple carbohydrates, sugars, and starchy foods, such as bread or pie.
The student nurse is providing feeding assistance to a patient at risk for aspiration. Which actions would the student nurse avoid?
Offering large bites to the patient
Offering large bites may put a patient at risk for aspiration.
Having the patient finish all foods, then drink all fluids
Finishing all foods and then drinking all fluids may put a patient at risk for aspiration. Instead, foods and fluids should be alternated.
Having the patient use a straw when drinking
Using a straw when drinking may put a patient at risk for aspiration.
Which statement by the nurse to a patient demonstrates culturally competent nutritional care?
“When you use the terms ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ to describe foods, you may not be talking about the temperature.”
In some cultures, describing foods as “hot” or “cold” may be in relation to healing qualities, not temperature or spiciness. This clarifying statement by the nurse is an example of culturally competent nursing care.
A patient does not eat meat or animal products of any kind. The nurse would instruct the patient about which nutritional deficiencies?
Vitamin B12
A vegan diet has the potential to be deficient in vitamin B12.
Correct
Iron
A vegan diet has the potential to be deficient in iron.
Zinc
Zinc is a potential deficiency in a vegan diet.
Which complications would the nurse monitor for in a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
Catheter-related infections
Catheter-related infections are considered a potential complication resulting from TPN.
Site infections
Site infections are considered a potential complication resulting from TPN; therefore, the nurse should perform a skin assessment prior to feeding.
A patient who was placed on thickened liquids asks if there is something to eat that does not require a thickening agent. Which liquids or foods could be safely recommended?
Yogurt
Yogurt is a food that could be safely recommended that does not require a thickening agent.
Pudding
Pudding can be safely recommended as a food that does not require a thickening agent.
Which tasks are considered appropriate feeding assistance?
Opening a milk carton
Opening a milk carton and other hard-to-open items is appropriate feeding assistance, due to possible muscle atrophy or immobility.
Correct
Setting up a meal tray
Setting up a meal tray is appropriate feeding assistance.
Spoon-feeding a patient the entire meal
Spoon-feeding a patient is appropriate feeding assistance.
Which type of feeding tube is placed into the patient’s stomach through one of the nares?
Nasogastric tube
A nasogastric tube is placed through the nares into the stomach.
Which action would the nurse take to provide appropriate percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube care?
Assessing skin around the tube
Assessing skin around the tube is considered appropriate PEG tube care because these sites have a potential for infection.
The student nurse is educating the patient regarding signs and symptoms to report to the health care provider for at-home tube feedings. Which statement indicates the student needs further teaching?
“If you have a headache after a feeding, you should call your health care provider.”
This is an incorrect statement, so the student nurse needs further teaching. A headache after feeding is not reportable to the health care provider.
For which complications would a nurse monitor in a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
Catheter-related bloodstream infection
Catheter-related bloodstream infection is a potential complication related to TPN.
Correct
Site infection
Site infection is a potential complication related to TPN.
Occlusion of TPN tubing
Occlusion of TPN tubing is a potential complication related to TPN.
Correct
Air embolism
Air embolism is a potential complication related to TPN.
The nurse is caring for an older adult with Alzheimer disease and a secondary diagnosis of malnutrition. Which neurologic functions affect the patient’s ability to receive adequate nutrition?
Functional ability
Alzheimer disease is a neurologic disorder that affects functional ability. Alzheimer patients may not have the motor skills required to feed themselves.
Correct
Cognitive ability
Alzheimer disease is a neurologic disorder that affects cognitive ability. Alzheimer patients may not have the cognitive skills required to feed themselves.
Correct
Memory
Alzheimer disease is a neurologic disorder that affects memory. Alzheimer patients may not remember to eat.
Which complications may result from malabsorption?
Poor wound healing
Malabsorption may cause poor wound healing because the body will not have enough nutrients to heal properly.
Weight loss
Malabsorption may cause weight loss because the patient will not have absorbed enough calories to maintain weight.
Correct
Fatigue
Malabsorption may cause fatigue because fewer nutrients will have been absorbed. The nutrients are not available to provide the patient with energy.
