An average size egg has which of the following nutrient except?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Eggs are a nutrient-dense food, containing high-quality protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
However, eggs are famously devoid of Vitamin C. They contain all essential nutrients except for Vitamin C and carbohydrates.
Therefore, in a question asking for the 'exception' in an egg's nutrient profile, Vitamin C is the correct answer as it is completely absent.

Option A: This is incorrect because an average-sized egg (around 60g) does contain approximately 6 grams of fat, primarily located in the yolk.
Option B: This is incorrect as an average egg is a well-known source of high-quality protein, containing about 6 grams.
Option D: This is incorrect because, while the stated quantity of 25 grams is factually wrong (an egg has about 1.5 mg of iron), the nutrient 'iron' itself is present in eggs. The question asks which nutrient is the exception, and Vitamin C is completely absent, making it a better exception than a nutrient that is present but has an incorrect quantity listed.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nutritional composition of eggs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Eggs are an excellent, affordable source of complete protein (containing all essential amino acids), which is vital for muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and overall growth.
The absence of Vitamin C is clinically relevant. To enhance the absorption of the non-heme iron found in eggs, it is beneficial for patients to consume them with a source of Vitamin C, such as orange juice, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
Nurses can advise patients that despite past concerns about cholesterol, for most healthy individuals, eggs are a nutritious part of a balanced diet.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'except'. This tells you to look for the option that is not true or does not belong with the others.
Next, evaluate each nutrient's presence in an average egg based on your nutritional knowledge.
Recognize that the quantities listed for Vitamin C (80 gm) and Iron (25 gm) are nonsensical, as a whole egg only weighs about 50-60 grams.
The key is to differentiate between a nutrient that is completely absent versus one that is present but has an incorrect quantity listed.
Recall that eggs contain protein, fat, and iron. Recall that eggs are famously devoid of Vitamin C.
Conclude that the most accurate 'exception' is the nutrient that is completely absent (Vitamin C), regardless of the absurd quantity mentioned.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Nutritional composition of eggs
Stem keywords: average size egg, nutrient
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the exception among the given options.

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 165-167

Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.