In addition to calcium, the major minerals needed to build and maintain bone tissue include:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: phosphorus. Phosphorus, along with calcium, is essential for bone health and maintenance. Potassium (choice A) is important for muscle function, iron (choice B) is crucial for red blood cell production, and fluoride (choice D) helps prevent tooth decay but is not a major mineral needed for bone tissue.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of nutrition in nursing, understanding the role of nutrients in metabolic regulation and control is crucial for providing effective patient care. The correct answer to the question is D) water. Water is essential for various metabolic processes in the body, including digestion, absorption, and transportation of nutrients, as well as temperature regulation and waste removal. Without an adequate intake of water, these essential functions would be compromised, affecting overall health and well-being. A) Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are primarily involved in tissue growth, repair, and immune function. While amino acids play a vital role in the body, they are not directly involved in metabolic regulation and control like water. B) Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for the body and are essential for fueling various metabolic processes. However, carbohydrates are not directly involved in metabolic regulation and control in the same way as water. C) Fats are important for energy storage, insulation, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. While fats are essential for overall health, they are not specifically involved in metabolic regulation and control like water. Educationally, this question highlights the significance of water intake in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Nurses need to educate patients on the importance of staying hydrated to support optimal bodily functions. Understanding the unique roles of different nutrients helps nurses tailor dietary recommendations to meet individual patient needs, promoting overall health and well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A normal weight-to-height ratio is a reliable indicator of good nutritional status as it suggests that the person is well-nourished and not underweight or overweight. Small muscle mass (choice A) can indicate malnutrition, a smooth tongue (choice C) can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, and fragile skin (choice D) can be a sign of poor nutrition or other health issues, but they are not as direct indicators of good nutritional status as a normal weight-to-height ratio.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with optimal nutritional status differ from those with marginal nutritional status in their nutrient reserves. Optimal nutritional status implies having adequate nutrient reserves, which is lacking in marginal status. Clinical signs (choice B) may or may not be present in both groups and are not the differentiating factor between optimal and marginal statuses. Body weight (choice C) can vary for reasons other than nutritional status. The risk of mental illness (choice D) is not directly related to the comparison between optimal and marginal nutritional status.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Low income is a significant factor contributing to marginal nutritional status due to limited access to nutritious food. While dependence on caffeine or acute illness can impact health, they are not as directly linked to marginal nutrition as low income. The size of the family unit may affect food distribution within the household but is not as directly related to marginal nutritional status as low income.