Nursing Elites

1. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. What enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Trypsin is the correct enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids. It is produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine to facilitate protein digestion. Pepsin is an enzyme from the stomach that also breaks down proteins, amylase targets carbohydrates, and lipase works on fats. In this context, since the question specifies the pancreas and small intestine, the correct answer is Trypsin as it is the pancreatic enzyme responsible for protein breakdown in the small intestine.

2. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, and is considered a key player in the endocrine system?

• A. Amygdala
• B. Hippocampus
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, making it a vital component in maintaining homeostasis. It also plays a crucial role in the endocrine system by controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. The amygdala primarily processes emotions, the hippocampus is associated with memory formation, and the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information. Therefore, the hypothalamus is the correct answer as it directly regulates the physiological processes mentioned in the question.

3. Which of the following is the cartilaginous flap that protects the larynx from water or food while still allowing the flow of air?

• A. epiglottis
• B. bronchioles
• C. epithelium
• D. tongue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The epiglottis is the cartilaginous flap that protects the larynx from water or food while still allowing the flow of air. When we swallow, the epiglottis covers the entrance to the larynx, preventing food or liquid from entering the airway and instead directing them towards the esophagus for digestion. Choice B, bronchioles, are small airway branches within the lungs and are not involved in protecting the larynx from food or water. Choice C, epithelium, refers to the tissue that lines the surfaces of organs and structures in the body, but it is not the specific structure that protects the larynx as described. Choice D, tongue, plays a role in taste, speech, and swallowing, but it is not the cartilaginous flap that protects the larynx.

4. Which valves are part of the heart?

• A. Tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary, aortic
• B. Aortic, pulmonary, mitral, tricuspid
• C. Aortic, pulmonary, Erb's point, tricuspid
• D. Aortic, pulmonic, Erb's point, tricuspid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct valves of the heart are the aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and mitral (bicuspid) valves. Choice B correctly lists the aortic, pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid valves. Erb's point is not a valve but rather an auscultation point on the chest, making choices C and D incorrect.

5. Which of the following is an example of a weak acid?

• A. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
• B. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
• C. Acetic acid (CH3COOH)
• D. Nitric acid (HNO3)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Acetic acid (CH3COOH) because it is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H+ ions compared to strong acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3) which completely dissociate in water. Weak acids do not fully ionize in water, leading to a lower concentration of H+ ions in solution. Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid are strong acids that completely dissociate in water, producing a higher concentration of H+ ions. Therefore, they are not examples of weak acids.

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