Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics: Exam Review OmpathStudy

--- MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY CAT 2 EXAMINATION SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH — DEPARTMENT OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MEDICINE AND SURGERY UNIT: NUTRITION AND DIETETICS FOR MEDICINE REG NO: BMS/2023/60482 --- SECTION AQ1. Mention any five functions of proteins in the body. (5 Marks)- Structural function — building and maintaining tissues (muscle, bone, skin, hair) Enzymatic function — acting as catalysts in biochemical reactions Transport function — carrying substances in blood (e.g., hemoglobin transports oxygen) Defense function — forming antibodies for immune protection Energy function — provides 4 kcal/g when carbohydrate intake is insufficient Q2. Describe the vicious cycle of illness and malnutrition. (5 Marks) Malnutrition weakens the immune system → increases susceptibility to infection Illness reduces appetite, increases nutrient losses, impairs absorption Each infection episode further depletes nutritional status Without intervention, nutritional and health status progressively decline Severe, repeated cycles increase risk of mortality Q3. Describe the ABCD of Nutrition assessment. (8 Marks) A – Anthropometric: height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, skinfold thickness; shows nutritional status over time B – Biochemical: blood/urine/tissue lab tests; detects subclinical deficiencies before physical signs appear C – Clinical: physical exam of hair, skin, eyes, mouth, organs; identifies advanced deficiency signs D – Dietary: 24-hour recall, food frequency questionnaires, food records; assesses adequacy of intake Q4. Describe three complications a woman may face during pregnancy. (6 Marks) Gestational diabetes mellitus — high blood sugar in pregnancy; risk of macrosomia, delivery complications, later type 2 diabetes Pre-eclampsia/PIH — high BP with proteinuria; risk of seizures, organ damage, maternal/fetal death Iron deficiency anemia — increased iron demand; causes fatigue, weakness, higher infection risk, preterm birth, low birth weight Q5. Explain the importance of pre-conception nutrition. (6 Marks) Optimizes maternal health before pregnancy begins Adequate folate prevents neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) Improves fertility/conception chances for both partners Builds nutrient stores (vitamins, minerals, energy reserves) Reduces risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension Provides optimal environment for early fetal development Q6. Describe how proper nutrition before pregnancy prepares the mother for a smooth pregnancy. (5 Marks) Builds reserves of iron, calcium, vitamins needed in pregnancy Achieves healthy BMI, reducing complication risk Strengthens immune system against infection Supports ovulation and implantation Adequate B-vitamins may reduce nausea/vomiting severity --- SECTION BQ1. Distinguish between essential and non-essential amino acids, with two examples each. (6 Marks)- Essential: cannot be synthesized by the body; must come from diet — e.g., Lysine, Methionine Non-essential: can be synthesized by the body; not required in diet — e.g., Alanine, Glycine Q2. Describe five principles for diet planning. (10 Marks) Adequacy — provides sufficient energy and all essential nutrients for individual needs Balance — proper proportions of carbs, protein, fat; no nutrient in excess at another's expense Calorie control — energy intake matches expenditure; maintains healthy weight Moderation — limits saturated fat, sugar, salt, alcohol Variety — different foods from all groups; prevents monotony, ensures diverse nutrients Q3. Differentiate water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, two examples each. (6 Marks) Water-soluble: dissolve in water, not stored (excess excreted in urine) — e.g., Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 Fat-soluble: dissolve in fat, need bile for absorption, stored in fat/liver (can reach toxic levels) — e.g., Vitamin A, Vitamin D Q4. Suggest five factors influencing nutrient requirements of an individual. (5 Marks) Age — growth in children, changing needs in elderly Sex — women need more iron (menstruation); men need more calories Physical activity level — higher energy/nutrient needs for active individuals Health status — illness/chronic disease alters requirements Pregnancy and lactation — increased needs across most nutrients Q5. List the nutritional deficiency disorders for: (3 Marks) Vitamin C → Scurvy Iron → Iron deficiency anemia Iodine → Goiter and cretinism --- MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY MAIN EXAMINATION 2021/2022 UNIT: NUTRITION AND DIETETICS FOR MEDICINE --- SECTION A (30 Marks)Q1. Differentiate between essential and non-essential amino acids. (4 Marks)- Essential — cannot be synthesized in adequate amounts; must be obtained from diet; 9 total (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine) Non-essential — synthesized by the body from other amino acids; not required in diet; 11 total (e.g., alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid) Q2. Explain the importance of dietary fiber. (5 Marks) Promotes regul