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. The pancreas releases a number of digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Which of the following enzymes is NOT produced by the pancreas?

• A. Trypsin (protein digestion)
• B. Amylase (carbohydrate digestion)
• C. Lipase (fat digestion)
• D. Lactase (sugar digestion)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, and it is produced by the small intestine, not the pancreas. The pancreas produces enzymes like trypsin for protein digestion, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and lipase for fat digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because trypsin, amylase, and lipase are indeed enzymes produced by the pancreas for the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively.

3. What is the product of the complete combustion of propane (C3H8)?

• A. CO2
• B. CO
• C. CH4
• D. C

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The complete combustion of propane (C3H8) results in the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. When a hydrocarbon such as propane undergoes complete combustion, the carbon atoms combine with oxygen to form CO2. This makes choice A, CO2, the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as CO is carbon monoxide, CH4 is methane, and C is elemental carbon, none of which are the primary product of the complete combustion of propane.

4. Which layer of the skin is responsible for new skin cell production?

• A. Stratum corneum
• B. Stratum basale
• C. Stratum granulosum
• D. Stratum spinosum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Stratum basale. The stratum basale, also known as the basal layer or stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis and is responsible for new skin cell production through cell division. It contains basal cells that continuously divide to produce new keratinocytes, which move up through the layers of the epidermis. Choice A, Stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the epidermis consisting of dead cells filled with keratin. It serves a protective function but is not involved in new skin cell production. Choice C, Stratum granulosum, is a layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes undergo changes in their structure and composition. It is involved in the process of keratinization but not in new skin cell production. Choice D, Stratum spinosum, is a layer of the epidermis where cells become interconnected by desmosomes. While it plays a role in providing strength and support to the epidermis, it is not primarily responsible for new skin cell production.

5. 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.

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