When instructing a patient about proper diet, which among the following would be considered as complete prote… - AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (shift-2)

AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (shift-2)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (shift-2)

Explanation

A complete protein source must contain all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize on its own.
Eggs are a source of high-quality, complete protein, providing all essential amino acids in the correct proportions for the body's needs.
Foods of animal origin, such as eggs, meat, fish, and dairy products, are typically complete proteins.
The protein in eggs has a high biological value, meaning it is readily digested and utilized by the body for various functions.

Option A: Olives are fruits that are primarily a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, not protein. Their protein content is minimal and they are not considered a source of complete protein.
Option B: Rice is a grain and is classified as an incomplete protein. It is notably low in the essential amino acid lysine.
Option D: While nuts are a valuable source of protein and healthy fats, most varieties are incomplete proteins. They are often deficient in the essential amino acid lysine.

Visual 1: Chart - A two-column chart listing common food sources of 'Complete Proteins' (e.g., eggs, chicken, fish, dairy, quinoa, soy) and 'Incomplete Proteins' (e.g., rice, beans, nuts, wheat).
Visual 2: Infographic - An infographic titled 'Creating Complete Proteins' that visually pairs complementary foods, such as a bowl of rice next to a bowl of beans with an arrow indicating they form a complete protein together.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Nutritional Science: Complete vs. Incomplete Proteins to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Understanding complete proteins is vital for patient education, especially for those needing increased protein for tissue repair (e.g., post-surgery, burn victims) or those with dietary restrictions.
Nurses must assess a patient's dietary intake to ensure they are consuming adequate high-quality protein for healing, immune function, and maintaining muscle mass.
What if? If a patient is a strict vegan and needs to increase protein intake for wound healing, the nurse's advice would change. Instead of recommending eggs, the nurse would educate the patient on combining plant-based foods like lentils with brown rice, or tofu with quinoa, to ensure all essential amino acids are consumed.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'complete protein'.
Recall the definition: A complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids.
Mentally categorize the options. Generally, animal-based foods (meat, dairy, eggs) are complete proteins, while most plant-based foods are incomplete.
Evaluate each option: Olives are a fruit (fat source). Rice is a grain (incomplete). Nuts are seeds (usually incomplete). Eggs are an animal product.
Based on this categorization, eggs are the most likely source of complete protein among the choices.
Confirm your knowledge that eggs are a well-established example of a high-quality complete protein.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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