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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: High protein diets (>2.0 grams/kg daily) increase nitrogen from amino acid metabolism, forming urea that kidneys must excrete. Excessive nitrogen load can strain kidneys, potentially causing damage in susceptible individuals (e.g., those with renal disease), as filtration demands exceed normal capacity, leading to renal stress.

Choice B reason: Sodium is primarily linked to fluid balance and blood pressure, not protein metabolism. While high sodium intake can strain kidneys, it is not the primary substance excreted in high protein diets, which produce nitrogen waste, making sodium an incorrect choice for this context.

Choice C reason: Water is essential for kidney function, aiding waste excretion, but it is not a substance produced by protein metabolism. High protein diets increase water needs indirectly, but the kidneys excrete nitrogen-based urea, not water, making this an incorrect choice for the question.

Choice D reason: Potassium is involved in electrolyte balance, not directly linked to protein metabolism. High protein diets do not significantly increase potassium excretion compared to nitrogen, which forms urea, the primary waste product taxing kidneys, making potassium an incorrect choice for this question.

A. 10-20% B. 45-65% C. 20-35% D. 35-45% E. Eggs

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.

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Which of the following is a function of protein in the body? (Select all that apply)

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

High protein diets may cause kidney damage because of the high levels of which substance that the kidneys need to help excrete?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Based on the Dietary Reference Intake, proteins should make up what percentage of an adult’s daily caloric intake?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient tells the nurse they cannot afford to buy meat every day. Which of the following meals should the nurse suggest as a good source of protein that is also budget-friendly?

Which of the following food combinations provides adequate amounts of essential amino acids for someone following a vegan diet?

A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage renal disease and must limit protein intake; therefore, the protein the nurse recommends should be complete proteins. Which of the following foods should the nurse plan to include in the client’s diet?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parents of a toddler who follows a vegetarian diet about food choices that increase dietary protein intake. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend as the best choice for including protein in the toddler’s diet?

The nurse is teaching a patient about making healthy protein choices. Which of the following types of protein should the nurse advise the patient to eat less frequently?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about diets that help with wound healing. Which of the following foods should the nurse indicate contains the best source of protein?

A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has a burn injury and adheres to a strict vegan diet. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend?

Considering just protein and not fats or carbohydrates, which of the following meals gives you the most protein?