QLexNursing

✨ Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of fuel, providing 4 kcal/g, which supports brain activity, muscle contraction, and metabolic processes.

✨ They supply glucose, which is the preferred energy source for the central nervous system, making carbs essential for normal neurological function.

✨ Carbohydrates also contribute dietary fiber, which supports gastrointestinal health, regulates bowel function, and promotes satiety.

✨ Fiber from carbohydrates helps stabilize blood glucose, maintain normal cholesterol levels, and prevent constipation.

✨ Because carbohydrates provide energy and fiber, this is the only option that correctly identifies their major physiological roles.

Hormonal production

✨ Hormone production relies primarily on proteins (peptide hormones) and lipids (steroid hormones), not carbohydrates.

✨ Carbohydrates do not serve as building blocks for major hormones; therefore, this is not a key carbohydrate function.

✨ Although glucose supports cellular energy for hormone-producing cells, it does not directly create hormones.

✨ This option misrepresents carbohydrate physiology because hormone synthesis depends on amino acids and cholesterol.

✨ Thus, hormonal production is not a major function of carbohydrates.

Oxygenation and consumption

✨ Carbohydrates do not regulate oxygenation; oxygenation is a function of respiratory and cardiovascular systems, not nutrient intake.

✨ While carbohydrate metabolism uses oxygen, it does not produce oxygen nor regulate oxygen delivery.

✨ This option confuses cellular respiration with nutrient function.

✨ Carbohydrates’ role is to supply energy, not oxygen.

✨ Therefore, this option is incorrect in describing carbohydrate function.

Fluid and electrolytes

✨ Fluid and electrolyte balance is managed by the renal system, endocrine system, and electrolyte intake, not carbohydrate consumption.

✨ Carbohydrates play no significant role in regulating sodium, potassium, chloride, or fluid volumes.

✨ Although certain sports drinks contain carbs plus electrolytes, carbohydrates themselves are not responsible for fluid balance.

✨ This option does not reflect accurate nutritional physiology.

✨ Thus, carbohydrates are not major regulators of fluids or electrolytes.