Nursing Elites

1. During swallowing, what is the role of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located near the base of the tongue?

• A. Initiates the swallowing reflex
• B. Grinds food into smaller pieces
• C. Covers the trachea to prevent food aspiration
• D. Stores saliva for lubrication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis plays a crucial role during swallowing by covering the trachea to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway, which could lead to aspiration. By acting as a lid over the trachea, it ensures that food passes down the esophagus to the stomach, preventing it from entering the lungs. Choice A is incorrect as the swallowing reflex is a coordinated muscular action involving the tongue and throat muscles. Choice B is incorrect as grinding food into smaller pieces is primarily the function of the teeth and the initial stages of digestion. Choice D is incorrect as the storage of saliva for lubrication is not a function of the epiglottis, but rather involves salivary glands.

2. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones by tough connective tissues called

• A. Ligaments
• B. Tendons
• C. Cartilage
• D. Fascia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Skeletal muscles are attached to bones by tough connective tissues called tendons. Tendons are strong, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones, allowing for movement and stability in the body. Ligaments (option A) connect bones to other bones, not muscles to bones. Cartilage (option C) is firm and flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, but it does not attach muscles to bones. Fascia (option D) is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, providing support and protection, but it does not directly attach muscles to bones.

3. What is the primary function of the digestive system?

• A. To break down food into nutrients
• B. To absorb oxygen
• C. To produce energy
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To break down food into nutrients.' The primary function of the digestive system is to break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body for energy, growth, and repair. The digestive system is not responsible for absorbing oxygen (Choice B), as that is the role of the respiratory system. While the digestion process does release energy from nutrients, the primary function is not to produce energy (Choice C), but rather to extract nutrients for energy production. Regulating body temperature (Choice D) is primarily handled by the thermoregulatory mechanisms in the body, such as the skin and sweat glands, not the digestive system.

4. Which of the following areas of the body has the most sweat glands?

• A. Upper back
• B. Arms
• C. Feet
• D. Palms

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Palms. The palms of the hands have the highest concentration of sweat glands compared to other areas of the body. This is why sweating is commonly noticed on the palms during times of stress or physical exertion. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. While these areas do have sweat glands, they are not as densely distributed as in the palms. The upper back, arms, and feet do contribute to overall body sweat, but the palms have a significantly higher density of sweat glands, making them the area with the most sweat glands.

5. What is the muscular sac in the female body that nourishes and protects a developing fetus during pregnancy?

• A. Ovary
• B. Fallopian tube
• C. Uterus
• D. Vagina

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the uterus. The uterus is a muscular organ in the female body where a developing fetus is nourished and protected during pregnancy. It is the site where a fertilized egg implants and grows into a fetus. The ovaries produce eggs, the fallopian tubes transport the egg to the uterus for potential fertilization, and the vagina serves as the birth canal and the passage for menstrual blood to exit the body. Therefore, the uterus plays a crucial role in pregnancy by providing a nurturing environment for the developing fetus.

Similar Questions