Which of the following is a function of protein in the body? (Select all that apply)
Childbirth
Body defense system
Water balance
Tissue building
Metabolism
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
Reasoning:
Choice A reason: Childbirth is a physiological process, not a direct function of protein. Proteins support related processes like tissue repair (e.g., during postpartum recovery), but childbirth itself is driven by hormonal and muscular mechanisms, not a primary protein function, making this an incorrect choice.
Choice B reason: Proteins are critical for the body’s defense system, forming antibodies and immune cells like lymphocytes. These proteins, such as immunoglobulins, neutralize pathogens, supporting immune function. Approximately 10-15% of dietary protein supports immune responses, making this a key function in infection resistance and recovery.
Choice C reason: Proteins, like albumin, maintain water balance by regulating oncotic pressure in blood plasma, preventing fluid leakage into tissues (edema). Low protein intake can disrupt this balance, leading to swelling, as proteins are crucially needed to retain fluid within blood vessels, making this a correct function.
Choice D reason: Proteins are essential for tissue building, providing amino acids for muscle, skin, and organ synthesis. About 1.0-1.5 grams/kg body weight daily supports collagen formation, cell repair, and growth, particularly during recovery or development, making this a fundamental protein function in the body.
Choice E reason: Proteins facilitate metabolism as enzymes and hormones, catalyzing biochemical reactions and regulating processes like glucose uptake (e.g., insulin). Approximately 20% of dietary protein supports enzymatic functions, ensuring energy production and nutrient metabolism, making this a critical role of proteins in the body.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fresh fruit provides minimal protein (<1 gram per cup), primarily offering carbohydrates, vitamins, and fiber. For burn injury patients requiring 1.5-2.0 grams/kg protein daily for tissue repair, fruit is insufficient, as it lacks the amino acids needed for wound healing and immune support on a vegan diet.
Choice B reason: Tuna salad, containing fish, is not suitable for a strict vegan diet, which excludes all animal products. It provides complete proteins (25 grams per can) but is irrelevant for vegan patients, who require plant-based sources to meet high protein needs for burn recovery.
Choice C reason: Beans provide about 15 grams of protein per cup, offering incomplete proteins that can be combined (e.g., with grains) to form complete proteins. For vegan burn patients, beans support tissue repair and collagen synthesis, meeting elevated protein needs critical for healing and immune function.
Choice D reason: Vegetables like broccoli or spinach provide 2-5 grams of protein per cup, insufficient for the high protein demands (1.5-2.0 grams/kg daily) of burn injury recovery. They lack the amino acid density needed for tissue repair, making them less effective than beans for vegan patients.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Milkshakes, made with milk or yogurt, provide about 8-10 grams of complete protein per cup, supporting muscle maintenance in cancer patients with high protein needs due to tissue repair and chemotherapy-induced catabolism. They are easy to consume, aiding intake.
Choice B reason: Egg and ham omelets offer complete proteins (eggs: ~6 grams per egg, ham: ~7 grams per ounce), providing all essential amino acids. This supports tissue repair and immune function in cancer patients, counteracting protein malnutrition caused by increased metabolic demands.
Choice C reason: Strawberries and bananas are fruits, providing minimal protein (less than 1 gram per cup) and primarily carbohydrates. They do not significantly contribute to preventing protein malnutrition, as they lack the amino acids needed for tissue repair in cancer patients.
Choice D reason: Cottage cheese provides about 25 grams of complete protein per cup, rich in essential amino acids. It supports muscle maintenance and immune function in cancer patients, helping prevent protein malnutrition due to high catabolic rates and reduced appetite during treatment.
Choice E reason: Tuna fish offers about 25 grams of complete protein per can, containing all essential amino acids. It supports tissue repair and muscle maintenance in cancer patients, counteracting protein malnutrition caused by increased metabolic demands and chemotherapy-induced appetite loss.
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