Which is a macro-mineral that the body needs to work properly?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Explanation

Macro-minerals are essential nutrients the body needs in amounts greater than 100 milligrams per day.
Calcium is a macro-mineral crucial for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as for nerve transmission and muscle function.
The other options are either non-essential for nutrition (Gold, Silver) or are toxic heavy metals (Lead).

Option A: Gold is a noble metal and not an essential nutrient required for any known biological function in the human body.
Option B: Silver has no known essential function in the human body and is not a required dietary mineral.
Option C: Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is harmful to the body and has no beneficial physiological role. It is a contaminant, not a nutrient.

Visual 1: Chart: A pyramid or chart classifying dietary minerals into macro-minerals (e.g., Ca, P, Mg, Na, K) and trace minerals (e.g., Fe, Zn, I, Se), showing the required daily amounts that differentiate them.
Visual 2: Infographic: An illustration of the various functions of Calcium in the body, such as its role in bone structure, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification and function of essential minerals (macro-minerals) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in nutritional assessment and patient education, including advising on dietary sources of calcium to prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
Monitoring for signs of calcium imbalance is a critical nursing responsibility. Hypocalcemia (low calcium) can cause muscle cramps and tetany, while hypercalcemia (high calcium) can lead to kidney stones and cardiac arrhythmias.
What if? If a patient has chronic kidney disease, the answer would still be Calcium, but the clinical management would be complex. The nurse would need to monitor calcium and phosphate levels closely and educate the patient on a renal-specific diet, which often restricts phosphorus and sometimes potassium.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'macro-mineral'.
Recall or deduce the definition of a macro-mineral: an essential mineral that the body needs in large amounts (typically greater than 100 mg/day).
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Recognize that Gold and Silver are precious metals, not typically discussed as nutrients, and can be eliminated.
Identify Lead as a well-known toxic substance, not a nutrient, and eliminate it.
Recall that Calcium is essential for bones and is found in dairy products, fitting the description of a required nutrient. This makes it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification and function of essential minerals (macro-minerals).
Stem keywords: macro-mineral, body needs
Lead-in keywords: Which is

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