Which of the following functions of protein is typically carried out by other macronutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats, under normal conditions?

Serving as an energy source

Supporting immune function

Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance

Building and repairing body tissues

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Under normal conditions, carbohydrates (4 kcal/gram) and fats (9 kcal/gram) are the primary energy sources, sparing proteins for tissue repair. Proteins (4 kcal/gram) are used for energy only when carbohydrate and fat stores are depleted, as in starvation, making this the function typically handled by other macronutrients.

Choice B reason: Proteins are essential for immune function, forming antibodies and immune cells like lymphocytes. Unlike carbohydrates or fats, proteins directly support this role, contributing 10-15% of dietary protein to immune responses, making this a primary protein function, not typically handled by other macronutrients.

Choice C reason: Proteins, like albumin, maintain fluid and electrolyte balance by regulating oncotic pressure in blood plasma, preventing edema. This is a unique protein function, as carbohydrates and fats do not directly influence fluid dynamics, making this an incorrect choice for a function handled by other macronutrients.

Choice D reason: Proteins are critical for building and repairing tissues, providing amino acids for muscle, skin, and organ synthesis. This is a primary protein function, requiring 0.8-1.5 grams/kg daily, not typically performed by carbohydrates or fats, which lack amino acids, making this an incorrect choice.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

A. Complex proteins B. Incomplete proteins C. Complete proteins D. Simple proteins

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Complex proteins is not a standard term in nutritional science. Proteins are classified as complete or incomplete based on essential amino acid profiles. Plant sources like grains and nuts lack one or more essential amino acids, making this an incorrect classification for such proteins.

Choice B reason: Incomplete proteins, such as those from grains, nuts, and most legumes, lack one or more essential amino acids required for human protein synthesis. Combining these with complementary plant sources (e.g., rice and beans) can form complete proteins, meeting dietary needs for growth and repair.

Choice C reason: Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts, typically found in animal sources like meat or soy. Most plant sources, excluding soybeans, are incomplete, as they are deficient in certain amino acids, making this an incorrect choice.

Choice D reason: Simple proteins is a biochemical term referring to proteins composed solely of amino acids, not a nutritional classification. It does not describe the amino acid profile or dietary role of plant-based proteins, which are typically incomplete, making this an incorrect option.

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Which of the following functions of protein is typically carried out by other macronutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats, under normal conditions?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Proteins from most plant sources such as grains, nuts, and legumes (beans, not soybeans) are called:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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