Each statement is true of vitamin K, except one. Which is the exception?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vitamin K absorption decreases with high levels of vitamin E supplementation because in larger amounts, vitamin E acts as an anticoagulant. Vitamin K is not produced in the gut but can be obtained from food sources or supplements. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors and is crucial in maintaining prothrombin levels, which is vital for proper blood clotting. The incorrect choice, D, is misleading as high levels of vitamin E supplementation hinder vitamin K absorption due to its anticoagulant properties. Dental hygienists should be aware of the importance of vitamin K in blood clotting, especially when treating patients who are on anticoagulant medications for conditions like stroke prevention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, not vitamin E. The symptoms of scurvy include spontaneous gingival hemorrhaging, perifollicular petechiae, follicular hyperkeratosis, diarrhea, fatigue, depression, and cessation of bone growth. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function, Vitamin D (Choice B) is essential for bone health, and Vitamin K (Choice D) is necessary for blood clotting. However, none of these vitamins are associated with scurvy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation.' Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological functions such as blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, membrane permeability, and activation of certain enzymes. Choice B is incorrect because while calcium is involved in calcium homeostasis, it is not the only role it plays in the body. Choice C is incorrect as calcium indeed has several known metabolic functions, and it is not solely for preventing caries. Choice D is also incorrect as the functions mentioned are primarily carried out by other nutrients and not specifically by calcium.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Phosphorus plays a crucial role in ATP energy release, the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and regulation of acid-base balance. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Phosphorus is not directly involved in blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, or calcium homeostasis. It also has known metabolic functions and is not associated with caries prevention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining calcium homeostasis and preventing skeletal abnormalities. It is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy metabolism, insulin activity, and glucose use. Magnesium is vital to the structural integrity of heart muscle and other muscles and nerves. While magnesium does play a role in blood clotting, nerve impulses, muscle contraction, relaxation, ATP energy release, and metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, the primary physiologic role of magnesium in the body is related to calcium homeostasis and maintaining the structural integrity of the heart muscle. Choice A is incorrect because it includes functions of magnesium, but they are not its primary physiologic role. Choice C is incorrect as magnesium has several known metabolic functions. Choice D is incorrect because although magnesium is involved in ATP energy release and metabolism, its primary role is related to calcium homeostasis and structural integrity of muscle.