The nurse is teaching a patient about vegetarian diets. Which of the following is a potential health benefit of following a well-planned vegetarian diet?
Lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers
Increased intake of saturated fat and cholesterol
Decreased fiber intake
Higher body mass index and obesity
Cheese
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: A well-planned vegetarian diet, rich in plant-based proteins like beans and nuts, reduces saturated fat and cholesterol intake, lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This decreases atherosclerosis risk, reducing heart disease incidence by 20-30%. High fiber and antioxidants also lower colorectal and breast cancer risks, making this a key benefit.
Choice B reason: Vegetarian diets typically reduce saturated fat and cholesterol, as they exclude meat, a primary source of these lipids. Increased intake of these would occur with animal-based diets, not vegetarian ones, making this an incorrect choice, as it contradicts the dietary profile of vegetarianism.
Choice C reason: Vegetarian diets are high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (20-35 grams daily), not decreased. Fiber supports digestion and reduces cardiovascular and cancer risks, making this an incorrect choice, as vegetarian diets consistently promote higher, not lower, fiber intake.
Choice D reason: Vegetarian diets are associated with lower body mass index (BMI) due to high fiber and lower calorie density from plant-based foods. They reduce obesity risk by promoting satiety and balanced nutrient intake, making this an incorrect choice, as vegetarianism typically supports weight management, not weight gain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The 10-20% range is too low for protein intake in adults. Protein should contribute 20-35% of calories to meet amino acid needs for muscle maintenance, enzyme production, and immune function, as lower intakes may lead to deficiencies in active individuals.
Choice B reason: The 45-65% range corresponds to carbohydrate recommendations, not protein. Proteins at this level would exceed metabolic needs, potentially straining kidneys due to excess nitrogen excretion, and are not aligned with standard dietary guidelines for adults.
Choice C reason: The Dietary Reference Intake recommends proteins provide 20-35% of daily calories for adults, balancing amino acid needs for tissue repair, enzyme synthesis, and immune function. This range supports metabolic demands without overloading the kidneys with excess nitrogen waste.
Choice D reason: The 35-45% range overestimates protein needs for most adults. Excess protein intake beyond 35% may lead to increased nitrogen excretion, potentially stressing kidneys, and is not typically required unless under extreme conditions like intense athletic training.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dried black beans provide about 15 grams of protein per cup but are incomplete, lacking sufficient methionine. Older adults need complete proteins (0.8-1.0 grams/kg daily) to combat sarcopenia, making beans less effective unless paired with complementary foods like grains for a complete amino acid profile.
Choice B reason: Nuts, such as almonds, offer about 7 grams of protein per ounce but are incomplete, deficient in lysine. For older adults, who require high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass, nuts are less optimal as a standalone source compared to complete proteins like yogurt.
Choice C reason: Fresh vegetables like broccoli provide 2-5 grams of protein per cup, insufficient for older adults’ needs (0.8-1.0 grams/kg daily). They lack essential amino acids, making them incomplete and unsuitable as a primary protein source for preventing muscle loss in aging populations.
Choice D reason: Yogurt is a complete protein, providing about 8-10 grams per cup with all essential amino acids. For older adults, it supports muscle maintenance and immune function, countering sarcopenia. Its digestibility and calcium content also benefit bone health, making it an ideal choice.
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