Nursing Elites

1. Through which part of the digestive system are nutrients absorbed into the bloodstream?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It is where the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats occurs. The inner lining of the small intestine is covered in tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for absorption. Nutrients are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine and into the bloodstream to be transported to cells throughout the body. The stomach's main role is to break down food through the action of stomach acids and enzymes but does not absorb nutrients. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter, and the esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach, without being involved in nutrient absorption.

2. What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

• A. Carries amino acids to the ribosomes
• B. Reads the genetic code on mRNA
• C. Forms the structural framework of ribosomes
• D. Controls the rate of protein synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a crucial role in forming the structural framework of ribosomes. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis and consist of both protein and rRNA components. The primary function of rRNA is to provide the structural support necessary for ribosomes to function properly. This structural framework allows the ribosome to interact with messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) during translation, where genetic information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble proteins from amino acids. Therefore, rRNA's main role is in contributing to the structure and function of ribosomes, rather than directly carrying amino acids, reading the genetic code, or controlling the rate of protein synthesis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because rRNA does not carry amino acids to the ribosomes (tRNA does this), read the genetic code (this is the role of ribosomes and tRNA), or control the rate of protein synthesis (this is regulated by various factors but not directly by rRNA).

3. Which factor affects the gravitational potential energy of an object the most?

• A. The mass of the object
• B. The distance from the ground
• C. The gravitational force
• D. The shape of the object

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to the height or distance from the ground. As the object is raised higher, its gravitational potential energy increases. While the mass of the object influences gravitational potential energy, the distance from the ground has a more significant impact on it. The gravitational force does not directly affect the gravitational potential energy; it is the force that causes the potential energy to change with height. The shape of the object also does not determine gravitational potential energy, as it is primarily determined by the object's position in a gravitational field.

4. Which of the following is a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in adaptive immunity by seeking out, attacking, and destroying targeted pathogens?

• A. memory B cells
• B. neutrophils
• C. antibodies
• D. cytotoxic T cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is cytotoxic T cells. Cytotoxic T cells are a type of white blood cell that is crucial in adaptive immunity. They are specialized in recognizing and destroying infected or abnormal cells in the body. Neutrophils are primarily involved in innate immunity, providing rapid response to infections. Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells and are essential in specific immune responses, but they do not directly attack pathogens. Memory B cells are part of the adaptive immune response, responsible for mounting a quicker and stronger response upon re-exposure to a pathogen. However, they do not directly seek out and destroy pathogens like cytotoxic T cells do.

5. What does the innate immune system provide?

• A. Nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens
• B. Specific, long-term immune response through memory cells
• C. Both (a) and (b)
• D. Neither (a) nor (b)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The innate immune system provides nonspecific, immediate defense against pathogens. It is the body's first line of defense in responding to infections and does not involve memory cells or specific long-term immune responses like the adaptive immune system. Choice B is incorrect because specific, long-term immune responses through memory cells are characteristics of the adaptive immune system, not the innate immune system. Choice C is incorrect because the innate immune system does not provide specific, long-term immune responses. Choice D is incorrect because the innate immune system does provide an immediate defense against pathogens.

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