Which of the following statements is correct with respect to nutrition?

UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the three essential macronutrients required by the body in large amounts.
These nutrients provide the energy (measured in calories) needed for metabolic processes, growth, and physical activity.
Carbohydrates are the primary energy source, proteins are crucial for building and repairing tissues, and fats are vital for energy storage, insulation, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
A balanced diet requires an appropriate proportion of all three macronutrients for optimal health.

Option A: This statement is nutritionally incorrect and harmful. Vegetable oils are sources of unsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. Saturated fats, found in animal products and some tropical oils, should be limited as they raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.
Option C: Chips and cookies are considered unhealthy snacks because they are typically high in calories, sodium, unhealthy saturated or trans fats, and added sugars, with very low nutritional value.
Option D: Health guidelines recommend limiting the intake of added sugar and salt. Excessive consumption is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Fundamentals of Nutrition and Macronutrients as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education regarding diet. Understanding basic nutrition helps in providing accurate advice for managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
A nurse's assessment of a patient's nutritional status is a key component of the overall care plan, impacting wound healing, immune response, and recovery from illness.
What if? If a patient has chronic kidney disease, the nurse's advice on protein would change significantly. The patient would likely need to restrict protein intake to reduce the workload on the kidneys, a direct contrast to a patient needing high protein for wound healing.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for a factually correct statement about basic nutrition.
Evaluate each option against fundamental nutritional principles.
Analyze Option A: It suggests replacing healthier unsaturated fats with less healthy saturated fats. This contradicts standard dietary advice.
Analyze Option B: It lists the three major macronutrients. This is a foundational concept in nutrition.
Analyze Option C: It labels high-calorie, low-nutrient foods as 'healthy'. This is incorrect.
Analyze Option D: It recommends adding more sugar and salt, which health guidelines advise limiting.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 239-241

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e pp. 168-170, 188-190