Deck 4: Protein

Question 1

The nurse prepares teaching material about nutrition for a community health fair. How should the nurse explain the structure of protein when providing this information?

A) It is structurally like fat
B) It is only available in meats
C) It is made up of amino acids
D) It is structurally like carbohydrates

Answer 1

It is made up of amino acids

Question 2

The nurse provides teaching about protein to a group of high school students. Which student statement indicates that teaching has been effective?

A) "I need to avoid fatty fish."
B) "Nonessential amino acids are not important."
C) "Essential amino acids must come from dietary sources."
D) "As long as I consume nitrogen from any source I will have all the amino acids I need."

Answer 2

"Essential amino acids must come from dietary sources."

Question 3

The nurse teaches parents about the dietary needs of their 4-year-old child. What should the nurse explain about protein? (Select all that apply.)

A) Meat is the ideal source of protein
B) Protein is composed of amino acids
C) Protein is essential for tissue growth
D) Protein is an efficient source of energy
E) Consistent lack of protein impairs the immune system

Answer 3

Protein is composed of amino acids
Protein is essential for tissue growth
Consistent lack of protein impairs the immune system

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a client in a catabolic state following complications caused by major surgery. Which action will the nurse take when planning for this client's food intake?

A) Weighing the client
B) Suggesting the client select eggs rather than oatmeal for breakfast
C) Meeting with the family and finding out the client's favorite foods
D) Telling the client that caloric intake should go up about 10% each day until complete healing is achieved

Question 5

The nurse notes edema in the hands and legs of an older client who appears undernourished. What should the nurse consider as being the reason for this client's edema?

A) Thyroid hormones are out of balance
B) The kidneys are failing, causing fluid retention
C) Lack of adequate protein is causing a fluid shift
D) The client has been drinking large amounts of water to prevent feelings of hunger

Question 6

The nurse reviews the medical histories for assigned clients. Which client should the nurse identify as most likely to be experiencing a positive nitrogen balance?

A) 13-year-old girl who figure skates
B) 23-year-old college student studying chemistry
C) Older client with a small decubitus on the left heel
D) Middle-aged client recovering from open heart surgery two days ago

Question 7

A client is recovering from surgery to remove 8 inches of the transverse colon. What teaching related to protein digestion should the nurse prepare for this client?

A) Complementary protein to make sure all amino acids are consumed daily
B) Minimal teaching since proteins are digested mostly in the small intestine
C) Avoid eating meat and dairy products together because this may cause indigestion
D) Soft sources of complete protein, such as eggs, will be preferable to meet protein needs

Question 8

The nurse instructs a client about protein foods that have high biologic value. Which client statement indicates that teaching has been effective?

A) "We should consider becoming vegetarian."
B) "Eggs might be an inexpensive way to get protein."
C) "We only need about 3 ounces of meat per day per person."
D) "Even if I don't eat meat, my children need it grow normally."

Question 9

The nurse instructs a client about complementary proteins. Which client statement indicates that additional teaching is needed? (Select all that apply.)

A) "Eggs are the best source of complementary protein."
B) "I should eat a combination of meat and plant protein each day."
C) "Many vegetarians use complementary proteins to meet protein needs."
D) "If I use combinations of incomplete proteins I will have the amino acids I need."
E) "Using complementary proteins is another way to figure out how to get adequate protein."

Question 10

The nurse reviews the medical histories for a group of clients. Which client should the nurse suggest meet with a dietician to manage protein needs?

A) Middle-aged male client who is overweight
B) Adolescent client recovering from pneumonia
C) Older client who lives alone on a limited income
D) Young adult client recovering from a fractured leg

Question 11

The nurse is caring for a client who weighs 165 pounds (75 kg). How many grams of protein should the nurse suggest the client consume in an average day?

A) 60 grams
B) 75 grams
C) 100 grams
D) 120 grams

Question 12

A client is being treated for kidney disease. What explanation should the nurse provide to the client about the importance of limiting protein intake?

A) It will contribute to weight gain
B) Excess nitrogen causes stress on the kidneys
C) Oncotic pressure changes will cause edema in the lower legs and feet
D) Carbohydrates are the preferred nutrient source for clients with kidney disease

Question 13

The nurse prepares dietary teaching for the family of a child with phenylketonuria (PKU) disease. What needs of the child should the nurse emphasize with the parents?

A) Daily vitamin supplements
B) Foods that have very little phenylalanine
C) Foods with high biologic protein every day
D) A combination of complete and incomplete proteins every day

Question 14

An adolescent client follows a vegan eating plan. Which food should the nurse remove from the recommended food list for this client?

A) Eggs
B) Tofu
C) Rice milk
D) Peanut butter

Question 15

A high school athlete tells the nurse that a protein supplements are necessary for strong muscles. What should the nurse respond to this student?

A) It is not worth the extra expense
B) The additional protein will provide extra energy
C) Strong muscles are developed with exercise, not extra protein
D) Protein supplements will lead to weight loss so should be avoided