A person who is starving is likely to exhibit __________.

• A. nitrogen balance
• B. neutral nitrogen balance
• C. negative nitrogen balance
• D. positive nitrogen balance

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of nitrogen balance: Nitrogen balance refers to the difference between nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion. It is an important indicator of protein metabolism in the body.
2. Identify the types of nitrogen balance: There are three types of nitrogen balance - positive, neutral, and negative. Positive nitrogen balance occurs when intake exceeds excretion, neutral nitrogen balance occurs when intake equals excretion, and negative nitrogen balance occurs when excretion exceeds intake.
3. Consider the physiological state of a starving person: When a person is starving, their body is not receiving enough nutrients, including proteins, which leads to increased breakdown of body proteins to meet energy needs.
4. Relate the physiological state to nitrogen balance: In starvation, the body breaks down more protein than it synthesizes, leading to a higher rate of nitrogen excretion compared to intake.
5. Conclude the type of nitrogen balance: Given the increased protein breakdown and nitrogen excretion in a starving person, they are likely to exhibit negative nitrogen balance.