Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why elderly individuals are at greater risk for dehydration compared to younger adults?

Accepted Answer

Elderly individuals have a higher percentage of body fat, which contains less water.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Which combination of factors is most likely to have contributed to this condition?

Accepted Answer

Low calcium and vitamin D intake during early life, lack of weight-bearing exercise, and smoking.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the regulation of water between the intracellular and extracellular compartments?

Accepted Answer

Intracellular water is regulated primarily by potassium (K) and phosphate (P), while extracellular water is regulated by sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl).

Question 4

A 25-year-old male consumes 900 mg of calcium at breakfast. Based on absorption limits, how much calcium is likely to be absorbed from this meal?

Accepted Answer

500 mg

Question 5

Which of the following foods provides the highest bioavailability of calcium?

Accepted Answer

Kale

Question 6

A patient presents with muscle cramps after running a marathon on a hot day. Which mineral deficiency is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Sodium

Question 7

Which of the following dietary changes would most effectively help lower blood pressure in someone with hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Decrease processed food intake and increase fruit consumption.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about iron absorption is correct?

Accepted Answer

Heme iron from red meat is better absorbed than non-heme iron from plants.

Question 9

A vegan woman of child-bearing age is at increased risk for iron deficiency. Which of the following best explains why?

Accepted Answer

She consumes mostly non-heme iron, which is less efficiently absorbed.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of zinc in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Necessary for DNA and RNA synthesis

Question 11

A person consumes a supplement containing 400 mg of magnesium daily. What is the most likely side effect?

Accepted Answer

Diarrhea

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the effect of oxalates on mineral absorption?

Accepted Answer

Eating spinach reduces calcium absorption due to oxalate binding.

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential consequence of excessive fluoride intake?

Accepted Answer

Joint stiffness and osteoporosis

Question 14

A person with hemochromatosis should avoid which of the following practices to prevent iron overload?

Accepted Answer

Consuming large amounts of red meat

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of selenium in the body?

Accepted Answer

Acts as an antioxidant

Question 16

A patient is diagnosed with brittle nails and hair. Which trace mineral toxicity is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Selenium

Question 17

Calculate the percentage of body water in an adult male who weighs 80 kg and has 60% body water. Express your answer using the formula $$ 	ext{Body Water (kg)} = 	ext{Body Weight (kg)} 	imes 	ext{Percent Water} .$$

Accepted Answer

$$ 80 	imes 0.60 = 48 	ext{ kg} $$

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why processed foods are a major contributor to sodium intake in the diet?

Accepted Answer

Processed foods often contain added sodium for preservation and flavor.

Question 19

A person following the DASH diet should focus on which of the following dietary patterns?

Accepted Answer

Low sodium, high potassium, increased fruits and vegetables.

Question 20

Which of the following is the best strategy to increase iron intake and absorption for a vegetarian?

Accepted Answer

Eat legumes with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance non-heme iron absorption.

Water and Minerals: Essential Nutrients for Human Health

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