HESI LPN
HESI PN Nutrition Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
In the scientific method, a tentative solution to a problem is called a what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the scientific method, a hypothesis is a tentative solution or educated guess that is tested through research. A theory (choice A) is a well-substantiated explanation based on evidence and extensive testing. A prediction (choice B) is a statement about what will happen in the future based on existing knowledge. Correlation (choice D) refers to a mutual relationship between two or more things, indicating how they may change together but not providing a solution to a problem.
Question 2 of 5
You have been asked to help a top nutrition researcher conduct human experiments on vitamin C. As the subjects walk into the laboratory, you distribute all the vitamin C pill bottles to the girls and all the placebo pill bottles to the boys. What should you have done?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct approach in a scientific experiment is to prevent yourself from knowing the contents of the pill bottles and distribute them randomly to the subjects. This randomization helps to avoid bias and ensures that the results are not influenced by preconceived notions. Option A is incorrect because it introduces gender bias by assigning pills based on gender. Option B is incorrect as it mentions telling the subjects what they are getting, which could lead to placebo effects. Option C is incorrect as it suggests disclosing group information to the subjects, which can also introduce bias.
Question 3 of 5
If a group of people consumes an amount of protein equal to the estimated average requirement for their population group, what percentage of people will receive insufficient amounts?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If a group consumes an amount of protein equal to the estimated average requirement, 50% of the people will receive insufficient amounts. The estimated average requirement is the amount of a nutrient that is estimated to meet the requirement of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Therefore, 50% of the group will not be meeting their individual needs if they are consuming only the average requirement. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because at the estimated average requirement level, a higher percentage than those values will receive insufficient amounts.
Question 4 of 5
What is one characteristic that differentiates vitamins from minerals?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Vitamins are organic compounds, containing carbon, which is a key characteristic that differentiates them from minerals. Choice B is incorrect because vitamins do not provide energy; they are not a source of calories. Choice C is incorrect as both vitamins and minerals are considered micronutrients due to being essential in small amounts. Choice D is incorrect because while it is true that vitamins are needed in small amounts, this is not the characteristic that sets them apart from minerals.
Question 5 of 5
Why is randomization important in a scientific experiment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Randomization is crucial in a scientific experiment to eliminate bias in the assignment of subjects to groups. By randomly assigning subjects, it helps ensure that any differences observed in the outcomes are due to the experimental treatment and not to preexisting differences between groups. Choice A is incorrect because randomization does not guarantee representativeness but rather minimizes the impact of confounding variables. Choice C is not entirely accurate; while randomization can contribute to accuracy and validity, its primary purpose is to reduce bias. Choice D is incorrect as the goal of randomization is not to balance the number of subjects but to prevent systematic differences between groups.