Which of the following is called macronutrients?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 Shift-2nd

Explanation

Proteins are classified as macronutrients because the body requires them in large amounts.
Macronutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, are the primary sources of energy (calories) for the body.
Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function.
Unlike micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) which are needed in small quantities, proteins form the main bulk of the food we consume for structural and energy purposes.

Option A: Calcium is a specific type of mineral. Minerals are required by the body in small amounts and are therefore classified as micronutrients.
Option B: Minerals are a class of nutrients required in small quantities for various bodily functions, which defines them as micronutrients.
Option D: Vitamins are organic compounds needed in small amounts to sustain life and are essential for metabolic processes. This classification makes them micronutrients.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Nutrients as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing a patient's macronutrient intake is fundamental in clinical nutrition. Inadequate protein intake can impair wound healing, weaken the immune system, and lead to muscle wasting (sarcopenia), especially in elderly or critically ill patients.
Nurses often monitor dietary intake and collaborate with dietitians to create meal plans that meet the specific macronutrient needs of patients based on their condition (e.g., high protein for wound healing, controlled carbohydrates for diabetes).
What if? If a patient has chronic kidney disease, the answer changes. While protein is a macronutrient, its intake is often restricted to reduce the workload on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of waste products.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'macronutrients'.
Recall the definition of macronutrients: nutrients the body needs in large amounts.
Think about the main categories of nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Categorize each option. Calcium is a mineral. Minerals and Vitamins are needed in small amounts (micronutrients).
Proteins, along with carbohydrates and fats, are needed in large amounts.
Therefore, 'Proteins' is the correct answer that fits the definition of a macronutrient.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 144-146

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 241-243

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 49-51

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 Shift-2nd

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