Nursing Elites

1. Where is fat primarily digested, and where is protein primarily digested?

• A. Mouth; stomach
• B. Stomach; small intestine
• C. Small intestine; small intestine
• D. Small intestine; stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Fats are primarily digested in the small intestine, where bile from the liver emulsifies fats for enzymatic digestion. The small intestine is where most of the absorption of nutrients occurs. Proteins, on the other hand, are mainly digested in the stomach by the enzyme pepsin under acidic conditions. The stomach's acidic environment helps denature proteins, making them more accessible to pepsin for digestion. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the primary sites of fat and protein digestion in the human digestive system.

2. Where is the major site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system?

• A. Mouth
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is recognized as the major site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. The small intestine's villi and microvilli provide a large surface area specialized for absorbing nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This efficient absorption process is essential for supplying the body with the necessary nutrients for energy production, growth, and overall functioning. The mouth is primarily involved in the initial stages of digestion through mechanical and chemical breakdown of food. The stomach aids in further mechanical and chemical digestion but is not the primary site for nutrient absorption. The large intestine's main function is to absorb water and electrolytes, not nutrients.

3. Which of the following choices would contain the code for making a protein?

• A. mRNA
• B. tRNA
• C. rRNA
• D. DNA polymerase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: mRNA (messenger RNA). mRNA contains the genetic code or instructions for making a protein. During protein synthesis, mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA corresponds to the sequence of amino acids that will be used to build the protein. Choice B, tRNA (transfer RNA), is involved in carrying amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but does not contain the code for making a protein. Choice C, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of ribosomes where protein synthesis occurs but does not contain the specific code for making a protein. Choice D, DNA polymerase, is an enzyme involved in DNA replication, not in directly coding for protein synthesis.

4. What is the function of the stratified cuboidal epithelium lining the salivary glands?

• A. Protection
• B. Gas exchange
• C. Secretion
• D. Absorption

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Secretion. The stratified cuboidal epithelium lining the salivary glands is responsible for secretion. This type of epithelium, made of multiple layers of cube-shaped cells, is specialized for secretion and protection. In the salivary glands, these cells secrete saliva to aid in the digestion process. Choice A, Protection, is incorrect because while the epithelium does provide some level of protection, its primary function in the salivary glands is secretion. Choice B, Gas exchange, is incorrect as the salivary glands are not involved in gas exchange processes. Choice D, Absorption, is also incorrect as the main role of this epithelium in the salivary glands is not absorption but rather secretion of saliva.

5. The body's first line of defense against pathogens is the innate immune system. Which of the following is NOT a component of the innate immune system?

• A. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes
• B. Phagocytes that engulf and destroy pathogens
• C. Inflammatory response to isolate and contain infection
• D. Production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen is a function of the adaptive immune system, not the innate immune system. The innate immune system provides immediate, non-specific defense mechanisms against pathogens, including physical barriers, phagocytes, and inflammatory responses. Choices A, B, and C are all correct components of the innate immune system. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes act as the first line of defense, preventing pathogens from entering the body. Phagocytes are specialized cells that engulf and destroy pathogens, while the inflammatory response helps isolate and contain infections to prevent their spread.

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