Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Regular intake of prescription drugs like steroids and diuretics can lead to the loss of potassium in the body, causing a condition known as hypokalemia. Therefore, people on these medications require careful monitoring and often need potassium supplementation to prevent this deficiency. The other options, selenium, iodine, and chloride, are incorrect because there is no specific link between their deficiency and the regular use of steroids and diuretics.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, aids in the digestion of fats. It does this by emulsifying the fats, which makes them easier for the digestive enzymes, such as lipase, to break down. While choices A, B, and C could be seen as partially correct since fats are a type of lipid and the process of breaking down fats could be seen as breaking down lipids, the most accurate answer is D, as the primary function of bile is to aid in fat digestion, not the digestion of all types of lipids or the digestion of proteins or carbohydrates.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: All the listed options (Age, Sleep, Fasting/Starvation, Activity Level) are factors that can affect a person's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). BMR is the number of calories your body needs to accomplish its most basic (basal) life-sustaining functions. Age can affect BMR as metabolism slows with age. Sleep can influence BMR as metabolism slows during sleep. Fasting or starvation can decrease BMR as the body conserves energy. Activity level can also influence BMR; the more active you are, the higher your BMR, as your body requires more energy for physical activities.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Altered taste sensation. The use of antibiotics is known to cause changes in taste sensation as a side effect, especially when used to treat H. pylori infections. Hemoptysis (Choice A) refers to coughing up blood, and while it can be a symptom of various conditions, it is not typically associated with the use of antibiotics. Flatulence (Choice C) and bloody stools (Choice D) can also occur as gastrointestinal complications, but they are not the most likely side effect when treating H. pylori with antibiotics. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Salivary amylase is the enzyme that begins the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth by breaking down starches into simpler sugars.