The nurse is assessing an alert and independent older adult patient for malnutrition risk. Which is the most appropriate initial question?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate initial question is C: "Do you have any difficulty in preparing or eating food?" This question directly assesses the patient's ability to obtain and consume food, which is crucial in determining malnutrition risk. By asking about difficulties in food preparation and eating, the nurse can identify any physical or cognitive impairments that may impact the patient's nutritional intake. A: "How do you get to the store to buy your food?" is irrelevant to assessing malnutrition risk and does not directly address the patient's ability to eat. B: "Can you tell me the food that you ate yesterday?" does not assess the patient's current ability to obtain and consume food. D: "Are you taking any medications that alter your taste for food?" is important but not as crucial as assessing the patient's ability to prepare and eat food.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: tongue. The frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This attachment helps with the movement and function of the tongue during activities such as speaking and eating. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the frenulum is not associated with the stomach, lips, or liver in the human anatomy. The specific location and function of the frenulum on the tongue make choice A the correct answer in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: pepsin. Pepsin is an enzyme that works in the stomach to break down proteins. It is not active in the duodenum because the duodenum is the first part of the small intestine where the acidic chyme from the stomach is neutralized by bicarbonate and digestive enzymes including amylase, enterokinase, and nuclease become active. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates, enterokinase activates trypsinogen, and nuclease breaks down nucleic acids. Thus, pepsin is the correct answer as it is not active in the duodenum, unlike the other enzymes listed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water, are not stored in the body, and need to be replenished daily. Step 2: Vitamin C fits these criteria as it dissolves in water, is not stored in the body, and needs daily intake. Step 3: Vitamin D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, stored in the body, and do not need daily replenishment. Summary: Choice B (Vitamin C) is the correct answer as it is water-soluble, while choices A (Vitamin D), C (Vitamin E), and D (Vitamin K) are fat-soluble vitamins and do not meet the criteria of water solubility.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: amylase. Amylase is an enzyme that specifically breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars like glucose. It is produced in the salivary glands and pancreas, aiding in the digestion process. Lipase (choice A) digests fats, pepsin (choice B) digests proteins, and trypsin (choice D) also digests proteins in the small intestine. However, amylase is the only enzyme responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates, making it the correct choice in this scenario.