Nursing Elites

1. Churns chyme and has an environment of pH2; holds 4-6 cups of food:

• A. stomach
• B. pancreas
• C. large intestine
• D. small intestine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The stomach churns food into chyme and has a highly acidic environment (pH 2) to aid in the digestion of proteins and other nutrients.

2. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of which vitamin?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin E
• D. Vitamin K

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, not vitamin E. The symptoms of scurvy include spontaneous gingival hemorrhaging, perifollicular petechiae, follicular hyperkeratosis, diarrhea, fatigue, depression, and cessation of bone growth. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function, Vitamin D (Choice B) is essential for bone health, and Vitamin K (Choice D) is necessary for blood clotting. However, none of these vitamins are associated with scurvy.

3. What physiologic role does calcium play in the body?

• A. Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation
• B. Calcium homeostasis, structural integrity of heart muscle
• C. No known metabolic function, caries-preventing properties
• D. ATP energy release; metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins; regulates acid-base balance.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation.' Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological functions such as blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, membrane permeability, and activation of certain enzymes. Choice B is incorrect because while calcium is involved in calcium homeostasis, it is not the only role it plays in the body. Choice C is incorrect as calcium indeed has several known metabolic functions, and it is not solely for preventing caries. Choice D is also incorrect as the functions mentioned are primarily carried out by other nutrients and not specifically by calcium.

4. Which physiologic role does vitamin C play in the body?

• A. Transcribing DNA to RNA
• B. Absorption and regulation of calcium
• C. Protects integrity of cellular membranes
• D. Catalyst for synthesis of blood-clotting factors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in protecting the integrity of cellular membranes. It is essential for collagen synthesis, which is important for wound healing and maintaining skin, blood vessels, and other tissues. Choice A is incorrect as the transcription of DNA to RNA is facilitated by vitamin A. Choice B is incorrect as calcium absorption and regulation are functions of vitamin D. Choice D is incorrect as vitamin K serves as a catalyst for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors, not vitamin C.

5. Each statement is true of vitamin K, except one. Which is the exception?

• A. Vitamin K is produced in the gut.
• B. Vitamin K functions as a catalyst for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors.
• C. Vitamin K maintains prothrombin levels.
• D. Vitamin K absorption increases with high levels of vitamin E supplementation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vitamin K absorption decreases with high levels of vitamin E supplementation because in larger amounts, vitamin E acts as an anticoagulant. Vitamin K is not produced in the gut but can be obtained from food sources or supplements. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors and is crucial in maintaining prothrombin levels, which is vital for proper blood clotting. The incorrect choice, D, is misleading as high levels of vitamin E supplementation hinder vitamin K absorption due to its anticoagulant properties. Dental hygienists should be aware of the importance of vitamin K in blood clotting, especially when treating patients who are on anticoagulant medications for conditions like stroke prevention.

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