N225 | N225 Exam 1: Nutrition - WCU Updated and
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. How many kilocalories are provided by one gram of dietary fat?
A. 4 kcal/g
B. 7 kcal/g
C. 12 kcal/g
D. 9 kcal/g
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fat is the most energy-dense macronutrient providing nine calories per gram.
Carbohydrates and proteins only provide four calories per gram for the body. Alcohol
provides seven calories per gram but is not considered a primary nutrient. Understanding
energy density helps in managing caloric intake for patients. This knowledge is
fundamental for calculating total daily energy requirements.
2. Which organ is primarily responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption?
A. Small Intestine
B. Stomach
C. Large Intestine
D. Liver
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The small intestine contains villi and microvilli that maximize surface area for
absorption. While the stomach begins protein digestion, it absorbs very few nutrients
directly. The large intestine is mainly responsible for water and electrolyte reabsorption. If
the small intestine is damaged, significant malnourishment can occur quickly. Most
vitamins and minerals enter the bloodstream through the intestinal lining.
3. Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting and is often given to newborns at birth?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale: Vitamin K acts as a co-factor for enzymes involved in the coagulation cascade.
Newborns are born with low levels of this vitamin due to sterile intestines. Without
adequate Vitamin K, the body cannot effectively produce functional clotting factors.
Deficiency in adults can lead to excessive bruising or prolonged bleeding times. Dietary
sources include green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
4. What is the primary function of protein in the human body?
A. Primary energy source
B. Insulation of organs
C. Tissue growth and repair
D. Flavor enhancement
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proteins are the building blocks of the body and are essential for repairing cells.
While protein can be used for energy, the body prefers using carbohydrates first. Amino
acids derived from protein are necessary for muscle and skin maintenance. Enzymes and
hormones are also primarily composed of complex protein structures. Adequate intake is
particularly crucial during recovery from surgery or injury.
5. A deficiency in which vitamin is known to cause scurvy?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen in connective tissues. Scurvy
results in bleeding gums, weakness, and poor wound healing capabilities. This water-
soluble vitamin must be consumed daily as the body does not store it. Citrus fruits and bell
peppers are excellent sources of ascorbic acid. Historically, this condition was common
among sailors without access to fresh produce.
6. Which of the following is considered a complex carbohydrate?
A. Glucose
B. Fructose
C. Sucrose
D. Starch
Correct Answer: D
, Rationale: Complex carbohydrates consist of long chains of sugar molecules known as
polysaccharides. Starch is the storage form of energy in plants like potatoes and grains.
Simple sugars like glucose and fructose are absorbed much faster by the digestive system.
Complex carbs provide a more sustained release of energy into the bloodstream. Fiber is
another type of complex carbohydrate that aids in digestive health.
7. Which mineral is most closely associated with the regulation of fluid balance and blood
pressure?
A. Iron
B. Iodine
C. Calcium
D. Sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sodium is the primary extracellular cation responsible for maintaining osmotic
pressure. Excessive intake can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure. The
kidneys work to filter and regulate the concentration of sodium in the blood. Most dietary
sodium comes from processed foods and table salt additions. Balancing sodium with
potassium is vital for proper cardiovascular function.
8. What term describes the process of building larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring
energy?
A. Anabolism
B. Metabolism
C. Catabolism
D. Digestion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anabolism is the metabolic phase where the body stores energy and builds
tissue. Examples include muscle mass gain and the creation of new bone cells. This process
requires an input of energy often derived from ATP. It stands in contrast to catabolism,
which breaks down molecules to release energy. Together, these two processes constitute
the total metabolism of an organism.
9. Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor, secreted by the stomach, for absorption in the
ileum?
A. Vitamin B1
B. Vitamin B6
C. Vitamin B12
Latest Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale
1. How many kilocalories are provided by one gram of dietary fat?
A. 4 kcal/g
B. 7 kcal/g
C. 12 kcal/g
D. 9 kcal/g
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fat is the most energy-dense macronutrient providing nine calories per gram.
Carbohydrates and proteins only provide four calories per gram for the body. Alcohol
provides seven calories per gram but is not considered a primary nutrient. Understanding
energy density helps in managing caloric intake for patients. This knowledge is
fundamental for calculating total daily energy requirements.
2. Which organ is primarily responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption?
A. Small Intestine
B. Stomach
C. Large Intestine
D. Liver
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The small intestine contains villi and microvilli that maximize surface area for
absorption. While the stomach begins protein digestion, it absorbs very few nutrients
directly. The large intestine is mainly responsible for water and electrolyte reabsorption. If
the small intestine is damaged, significant malnourishment can occur quickly. Most
vitamins and minerals enter the bloodstream through the intestinal lining.
3. Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting and is often given to newborns at birth?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: D
,Rationale: Vitamin K acts as a co-factor for enzymes involved in the coagulation cascade.
Newborns are born with low levels of this vitamin due to sterile intestines. Without
adequate Vitamin K, the body cannot effectively produce functional clotting factors.
Deficiency in adults can lead to excessive bruising or prolonged bleeding times. Dietary
sources include green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
4. What is the primary function of protein in the human body?
A. Primary energy source
B. Insulation of organs
C. Tissue growth and repair
D. Flavor enhancement
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proteins are the building blocks of the body and are essential for repairing cells.
While protein can be used for energy, the body prefers using carbohydrates first. Amino
acids derived from protein are necessary for muscle and skin maintenance. Enzymes and
hormones are also primarily composed of complex protein structures. Adequate intake is
particularly crucial during recovery from surgery or injury.
5. A deficiency in which vitamin is known to cause scurvy?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen in connective tissues. Scurvy
results in bleeding gums, weakness, and poor wound healing capabilities. This water-
soluble vitamin must be consumed daily as the body does not store it. Citrus fruits and bell
peppers are excellent sources of ascorbic acid. Historically, this condition was common
among sailors without access to fresh produce.
6. Which of the following is considered a complex carbohydrate?
A. Glucose
B. Fructose
C. Sucrose
D. Starch
Correct Answer: D
, Rationale: Complex carbohydrates consist of long chains of sugar molecules known as
polysaccharides. Starch is the storage form of energy in plants like potatoes and grains.
Simple sugars like glucose and fructose are absorbed much faster by the digestive system.
Complex carbs provide a more sustained release of energy into the bloodstream. Fiber is
another type of complex carbohydrate that aids in digestive health.
7. Which mineral is most closely associated with the regulation of fluid balance and blood
pressure?
A. Iron
B. Iodine
C. Calcium
D. Sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sodium is the primary extracellular cation responsible for maintaining osmotic
pressure. Excessive intake can lead to water retention and increased blood pressure. The
kidneys work to filter and regulate the concentration of sodium in the blood. Most dietary
sodium comes from processed foods and table salt additions. Balancing sodium with
potassium is vital for proper cardiovascular function.
8. What term describes the process of building larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring
energy?
A. Anabolism
B. Metabolism
C. Catabolism
D. Digestion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anabolism is the metabolic phase where the body stores energy and builds
tissue. Examples include muscle mass gain and the creation of new bone cells. This process
requires an input of energy often derived from ATP. It stands in contrast to catabolism,
which breaks down molecules to release energy. Together, these two processes constitute
the total metabolism of an organism.
9. Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor, secreted by the stomach, for absorption in the
ileum?
A. Vitamin B1
B. Vitamin B6
C. Vitamin B12
