BCSE BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Questions and Answers 4

Question 1

A patient with short bowel syndrome after extensive ileal resection is at greatest risk for deficiency of which nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12

Answer

Vitamin B12 is exclusively absorbed in the terminal ileum via intrinsic factor-mediated transport, so ileal resection causes B12 deficiency.

Question 2

Which metabolic pathway is primarily responsible for synthesizing glucose from amino acids during prolonged fasting?

Accepted Answer

Gluconeogenesis

Answer

Gluconeogenesis converts glucogenic amino acids (e.g., alanine, glutamine) into glucose in the liver during prolonged fasting when glycogen stores are depleted.

Question 3

Refeeding syndrome is most closely associated with a precipitous drop in serum levels of which electrolyte?

Accepted Answer

Phosphate

Answer

Refeeding causes a rapid shift of phosphate into cells driven by insulin release and anabolic activity, resulting in life-threatening hypophosphatemia.

Question 4

A 55-year-old woman is found to have pellagra. Which vitamin deficiency is responsible for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Niacin (B3)

Answer

Pellagra is caused by niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency and presents with the classic triad of dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

Question 5

In the fasted state, the liver preferentially produces which ketone body as the primary export fuel for the brain?

Accepted Answer

Beta-hydroxybutyrate

Answer

Beta-hydroxybutyrate is the predominant ketone body exported by the liver during prolonged fasting and is the major alternative fuel for the brain.

BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Practice Test

BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Practice Test

BCSE BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Questions and Answers 4