Chapter 73: Vitamins and Minerals

Chapter 73: Vitamins and Minerals

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. An 80-year-old woman has chronically low hemoglobin despite a diet high in iron. The primary care nurse practitioner (NP) will perform laboratory tests to confirm a diagnosis and should suspect the patient will need:

ANS:  B

Women and elderly adults are often at risk for folic acid deficiency leading to anemia because folic acid is necessary for synthesis of hemoglobin. Folic acid supplements are indicated. Omega-3 supplements are not indicated for anemia. If anemia is caused by iron deficiency alone, iron supplements must be used, which have more iron than a multivitamin with iron. Folic acid supplements are more effective than dietary folic acid.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   809

2. The parent of a 3-year-old is concerned that the child’s legs are not straight. The primary care NP notes marked bowing of the child’s lower extremities. Radiologic studies show decreased ossification of the child’s bones. The NP should:

ANS:  A

Children who do not get enough vitamin D can have abnormalities in bone ossification leading to rickets, which is characterized by bowing of the legs. The NP should prescribe vitamin D. Calcium supplements or increased milk intake would not be helpful. Without vitamin D, the body cannot use calcium for bone ossification. The amount of vitamin D in fortified milk is not sufficient to overcome vitamin D deficiency.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   803

3. An adolescent girl reports having heavy menstrual periods. Her hemoglobin is consistently on the low end of the normal range. The primary care NP should prescribe:

ANS:  C

Women are at risk for iron-deficiency anemia from menstrual blood loss. Taking oral contraceptives reduces this risk by moderating periods. Iron would be indicated if anemia actually occurs, but this patient is just at risk. Folic acid supplements are not indicated to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Dietary iron usually is not sufficient for replacing iron losses.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   803

4. The parents of a 3-year-old child tell the primary care NP that their child is a very picky eater and they are worried about the child’s nutrition. The NP should recommend:

ANS:  B

Children often develop strong food preferences as they start to eat solid foods. Parents should be taught that balance over time is important and should provide small portions of a variety of foods at every meal. Not every meal has to include every nutrient. Vitamin supplementation may be necessary for children who refuse to eat a variety of foods.

DIF:     Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                       REF:    803