Nursing Elites

1. During normal breathing, which muscle is the primary driver of inhalation by contracting and flattening to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal muscles
• C. Abdominal muscles
• D. Pectoral muscles

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for inhalation during normal breathing. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating a negative pressure that allows air to flow into the lungs. Intercostal muscles also play a role in expanding the chest cavity during inhalation, but the diaphragm is the main driver of the process. Abdominal muscles are primarily involved in exhalation by pushing the diaphragm upward to expel air from the lungs. Pectoral muscles are involved in movements of the arms and shoulders, not in breathing, making them incorrect choices for this question.

2. What is the role of the large intestine in the digestive system?

• A. To break down proteins
• B. To absorb water and form feces
• C. To digest fats
• D. To neutralize stomach acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The large intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing water from indigestible food matter and forming feces for elimination. Choice A is incorrect because the breakdown of proteins primarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine. Choice C is incorrect as the digestion of fats primarily occurs in the small intestine. Choice D is incorrect as neutralizing stomach acid is mainly the function of the stomach lining and not the large intestine.

3. Which of the following items is NOT a primary function of a healthy immune system?

• A. The immune system helps the body avoid infections.
• B. The immune system detects infections.
• C. The immune system eliminates infections.
• D. The immune system creates infections.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The primary functions of a healthy immune system do not involve creating infections. A healthy immune system helps the body avoid infections by providing defense mechanisms, detects infections by recognizing harmful pathogens, and eliminates infections by attacking and clearing out pathogens. Creating infections goes against the protective role of the immune system and is not a function it performs. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are correct functions of a healthy immune system, while choice D is incorrect.

4. What is the term for the involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract?

• A. Segmentation
• B. Peristalsis
• C. Chyme
• D. Emulsification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. These contractions help push food along the digestive system, facilitating digestion and absorption of nutrients. Segmentation, on the other hand, refers to the mixing and breaking down of food in the intestines, not the movement of food. Chyme is the semi-fluid mass of partially digested food in the stomach and small intestine, not the muscle contractions. Emulsification is the process of breaking down fat globules into smaller droplets to aid in digestion, not the movement of food through the digestive tract. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term for this function.

5. What enzyme plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine. It specifically targets starches and sugars, breaking them down into smaller molecules like maltose and glucose that can be absorbed by the body. Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach, not the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, not carbohydrates. Trypsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine, not carbohydrates.

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