According to the DASH Eating Plan, Carmen's daily sodium intake should not exceed how many milligrams to ensure the plan's effectiveness?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The DASH Eating Plan is designed to lower blood pressure and is most effective when daily sodium intake is limited to 1500 milligrams or less. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer. Choices A (1000 milligrams), B (2500 milligrams), and C (3000 milligrams) are incorrect because they either fall below or exceed the recommended daily sodium intake for the DASH Eating Plan.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The desirable resting systolic blood pressure for adults is less than 120 mmHg. This blood pressure is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Measurements higher than 120 mmHg (choices A and D) indicate elevated blood pressure, which can lead to hypertension and other health complications if not managed. A reading of less than 105 mmHg (choice B) could indicate low blood pressure, which also poses health risks such as dizziness and fainting.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Damage to the stomach can lead to a reduced ability to produce gastric acid (Choice C) and intrinsic factor, the latter of which is crucial for vitamin B12 absorption (Choice D). That's why these two choices are correct. The stomach doesn't play a direct role in the digestion of carbohydrates (Choice A) as this process primarily occurs in the small intestine with the help of pancreatic enzymes. Similarly, bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not the stomach, hence stomach damage wouldn't lead to an inability to produce or secrete bile (Choice B).

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Small Intestine. Microvilli are present in the small intestine, significantly increasing its surface area for efficient absorption of nutrients. The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the body. The stomach (choice A) primarily functions to break down food with its acidic environment but is not where most nutrients are absorbed. The pancreas (choice B) produces enzymes to aid in digestion but does not directly absorb nutrients. The large intestine (choice C) mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food, rather than nutrients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: People who adhere to a vegan diet might indeed be deficient in vitamins A and D, which are primarily found in animal-derived foods. While vitamin B12 and calcium can also be lacking in a vegan diet, these were not choices given that would correctly answer the question. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is widely available in numerous plant-based foods, making it less likely for vegans to be deficient in it. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Vitamins A and D'. It's important to note that deficiencies can be avoided through careful meal planning or supplementation.