Among people who are ill, significant weight loss may be masked by?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Fluid retention can mask weight loss in ill individuals as the retained fluid adds to body weight, making it difficult to detect true fat or muscle loss. Dehydration (Choice A) would actually lead to weight loss rather than masking it. While a large tumor (Choice B) could contribute to weight loss, it would not mask the weight loss itself. Drug therapy (Choice C) may cause side effects, including weight changes, but it is unlikely to mask significant weight loss in the same way that fluid retention does.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, high blood glucose levels, and high blood insulin levels. Rapid destruction of the pancreas is not a feature of this condition. The destruction of pancreatic beta cells is more commonly associated with type 1 diabetes, not type 2 diabetes. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Options A, B, and C are all characteristic features of type 2 diabetes, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Handgrip strength is a reliable test to assess muscle function and detect muscle weakness due to wasting. It is often used to identify conditions like sarcopenia in clinical settings. Options A, B, and D are not suitable for evaluating muscle weakness. Food intake recall does not directly measure muscle function, skinfold thickness assesses body fat but not muscle strength, and red blood cell levels are unrelated to muscle wasting.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, binding to oxygen and allowing for its transport. Choice B, transferrin, is involved in iron transport in the blood but not in oxygen transport. Choice C, myoglobin, is a protein found in muscle cells that stores oxygen for muscle use, not transportation in the bloodstream. Choice D, hepcidin, is a peptide hormone that regulates iron absorption in the intestines and iron distribution in the body, but it is not directly involved in oxygen transport.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: bicarbonate ions. Bicarbonate ions, secreted by the pancreas, neutralize the acidic chyme entering the small intestine from the stomach, creating a more suitable environment for digestive enzymes. Saliva (choice A) helps in the initial breakdown of food in the mouth, not in neutralizing stomach acid. Gastric mucus (choice B) protects the stomach lining from the acidic environment but does not neutralize the acid in the small intestine. Enzymes (choice D) facilitate chemical reactions in digestion but do not neutralize stomach acid.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Emulsify fats in the small intestine. Bile emulsifies fats in the small intestine, breaking them down into smaller droplets that can be more easily digested by enzymes like lipase. Choice A is incorrect as fats are not digested in the stomach but rather in the small intestine. Choice C is incorrect as fats are transported through the lymphatic system instead of the circulatory system. Choice D is incorrect as fats are broken down into smaller components through emulsification, not splitting.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The first statement is true; retentive carbohydrates promote bacterial growth and plaque formation. However, the second statement is false; gingivitis is not irreversible and is often reversible with proper care. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene. With good oral hygiene practices and professional dental care, gingivitis can be reversed. The other choices are incorrect because gingivitis is not irreversible, making statement two false.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Alcohol does contain energy and provides calories, but it is not considered a nutrient. Nutrients are substances that contribute to essential bodily functions. While alcohol may have energy, it does not provide essential vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients necessary for the body's health. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can have harmful effects on the body, further supporting why alcohol is not classified as a nutrient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: corn chips. Corn chips, especially those processed and fried, are a common source of trans fats, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Red meat (choice A) and salmon (choice D) do not typically contain trans fats unless they are processed or cooked in trans fat-containing oils. Peanut oil (choice B) can be a healthier option compared to trans fat-containing oils.