Nursing Elites

1. Where do nearly all of the gaseous exchanges between air and blood take place in the lungs?

• A. Pleura
• B. Trachea
• C. Bronchioles
• D. Alveoli

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nearly all gaseous exchanges between air and blood take place in the alveoli of the lungs. The walls of the alveoli are thin and surrounded by an extensive network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Oxygen from the air diffuses through the alveoli walls and into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product, diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled out of the body. This process is essential for respiration and providing oxygen to the body's cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Pleura is the membrane surrounding the lungs, trachea is the windpipe that carries air to the lungs, and bronchioles are the smaller air passages in the lungs. However, the primary site for gaseous exchange is the alveoli due to their structure and function.

2. What is the primary function of the adrenal glands?

• A. To produce insulin
• B. To regulate metabolism and stress response
• C. To fight infections
• D. To regulate blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the adrenal glands is to regulate metabolism and the body's stress response. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that play a vital role in managing metabolism, immune response, and stress levels. Choice A is incorrect because insulin is produced by the pancreas, not the adrenal glands. Choice C is incorrect because fighting infections is primarily the role of the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of blood pressure involves organs like the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels, not the adrenal glands.

3. Where is a herniated lumbar disc most likely to cause pain?

• A. Along the radial nerve
• B. Within the spinal cord
• C. Along the sciatic nerve
• D. Along the tibial nerve

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A herniated lumbar disc is most likely to cause pain along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. Compression of the sciatic nerve by a herniated disc can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the leg. This condition is commonly referred to as sciatica. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a herniated lumbar disc typically affects the sciatic nerve, not the radial nerve, spinal cord, or tibial nerve.

4. Which organ in the digestive system absorbs nutrients?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in absorbing digested food into the bloodstream, where the nutrients are then circulated to the body's cells for energy and other functions. The stomach primarily breaks down food through the action of acids and enzymes, while the large intestine absorbs water and salts, not nutrients. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach and does not participate in nutrient absorption.

5. Which part of the brain controls voluntary movement?

• A. Cerebellum
• B. Cerebrum
• C. Brainstem
• D. Medulla oblongata

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The cerebrum, specifically the motor cortex located within it, is responsible for controlling voluntary movements such as walking, writing, and speaking. This region of the brain plays a crucial role in coordinating and executing voluntary muscle actions, making it the correct answer in this context. The cerebellum (Choice A) primarily coordinates balance, posture, and coordination of voluntary movements but does not control voluntary movement itself. The brainstem (Choice C) is responsible for basic life functions like breathing and heart rate, not voluntary movements. The medulla oblongata (Choice D) controls vital functions like blood pressure and breathing, not voluntary movement.

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