Nursing Elites

1. Where is the primary site for nutrient absorption from digested food in the human digestive system?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the human digestive system. It is where the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients from food occurs. The walls of the small intestine are lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for absorption. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine and into the bloodstream to be transported to cells throughout the body for energy and other functions. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach and plays a role in swallowing, not nutrient absorption. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter after the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. The stomach mainly functions in the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food through muscular contractions and the secretion of digestive enzymes.

2. What is the primary function of the liver?

• A. To produce bile, which aids in the digestion of fats
• B. To store energy in the form of glycogen
• C. To produce proteins that assist in blood clotting
• D. To detoxify harmful substances in the body

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances in the body. While the liver does produce bile to aid in the digestion of fats, this is not its primary function. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine for fat digestion. Storing energy in the form of glycogen is a function of the liver, but not its primary one. Glycogen serves as a reserve of glucose. Although the liver produces proteins that assist in blood clotting, such as fibrinogen and prothrombin, this is not its main function. These proteins play a crucial role in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Therefore, the primary role of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances by processing and removing toxins, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, thereby reducing their harmful effects.

3. Why does a prism separate white light into its constituent spectral components?

• A. It absorbs certain colors
• B. Different colors experience varying speeds within the prism
• C. It bends all colors with the same magnitude
• D. It reflects specific colors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A prism separates white light into its constituent spectral components because different colors experience varying speeds within the prism due to their different wavelengths. This causes the light to refract at different angles, resulting in the separation of colors. When light enters the prism, it undergoes dispersion, where different colors are refracted at different angles due to their unique wavelengths. This phenomenon is known as chromatic dispersion. Choice A is incorrect because a prism does not absorb colors but refracts and disperses them. Choice C is incorrect because a prism refracts different colors at different angles, not with the same magnitude. Choice D is incorrect because a prism does not reflect colors but refracts and disperses them based on their wavelengths.

4. Which of the following statements regarding the working of the heart is not correct?

• A. The atria contract, and the valves open to allow blood into the ventricles.
• B. The heartbeat begins when the heart muscles relax, and blood flows into the atria.
• C. The valves close to stop blood from flowing backward.
• D. The ventricles contract, forcing blood to leave the heart.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the heartbeat actually begins when the heart muscles relax, allowing the chambers to fill with blood. The contraction phase follows, which propels blood out of the heart. The other statements are accurate in describing the normal sequence of events in the heart's functioning: the atria contract to push blood into the ventricles, the valves close to prevent backflow of blood, and the ventricles contract to pump blood out of the heart.

5. What is the role of the pancreas in the digestive system?

• A. To store bile
• B. To secrete digestive enzymes
• C. To digest proteins
• D. To absorb nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To secrete digestive enzymes.' The pancreas plays a crucial role in the digestive system by secreting digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, facilitating the absorption of nutrients from the digested food. Choice A is incorrect because the pancreas is not responsible for storing bile; the gallbladder stores bile. Choice C is incorrect because the pancreas secretes enzymes for protein digestion but does not digest proteins itself. Choice D is incorrect as the absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine, not in the pancreas.

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