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. Which of the following represents the strongest scientific argument?

• A. Scientific Hypothesis
• B. Scientific Law
• C. Scientific Study Conclusion
• D. Scientific Theory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Scientific Theory.' A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world. It is based on a large body of evidence and has withstood rigorous testing and scrutiny. Scientific theories are considered the strongest scientific arguments because they have predictive power and are supported by a significant amount of empirical data. Choice A, 'Scientific Hypothesis,' is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon but lacks the extensive evidence and testing that theories undergo. Choice B, 'Scientific Law,' describes a consistent and predictable relationship between variables but does not explain why the relationship exists. Choice C, 'Scientific Study Conclusion,' may be based on a single study and lacks the comprehensive nature and validation that theories possess.

3. What is the function of the epiglottis?

• A. Produces saliva
• B. Senses taste
• C. Prevents food from entering the windpipe
• D. Filters blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action ensures that food and liquids are directed to the esophagus and down into the stomach, rather than entering the respiratory system, which could lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they describe functions of other structures in the body that are not related to the role of the epiglottis.

4. What is the primary function of red blood cells?

• A. To transport nutrients
• B. To transport oxygen
• C. To fight infection
• D. To produce antibodies

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To transport oxygen. Red blood cells play a crucial role in carrying oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues and organs in the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration, where oxygen is used in the production of energy. Red blood cells do not primarily transport nutrients, fight infection, or produce antibodies. Choice A is incorrect because while red blood cells do carry some nutrients, their primary function is to transport oxygen. Choice C is incorrect because immune cells, not red blood cells, are responsible for fighting infections. Choice D is incorrect as antibody production is mainly carried out by specialized white blood cells, not red blood cells.

5. Diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes, affects the:

• A. Ureters
• B. Bladder
• C. Urethra
• D. Nephrons

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes, affects the nephrons. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. The high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the nephrons over time, leading to kidney dysfunction and, ultimately, kidney failure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because diabetic nephropathy primarily impacts the nephrons in the kidneys, not the ureters, bladder, or urethra.

Similar Questions