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. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. What is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases?

• A. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals
• B. Exposure to environmental toxins
• C. Breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases result from a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms, leading to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body tissues. While deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals or exposure to environmental toxins can impact overall health, they are not direct causes of autoimmune diseases. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals may weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to various health issues but does not directly cause autoimmune diseases. Exposure to environmental toxins can trigger immune responses, but autoimmune diseases specifically stem from the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms within immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms.

3. Balance the following redox reaction in acidic solution: I⁻ (aq) + Cr₂O₇²⁻ (aq) -> I₂ (aq) + Cr³⁺ (aq). Identify the oxidizing agent and reducing agent.

• A. I⁻ is oxidized, Crâ‚‚O₇²⁻ is reduced
• B. I⁻ is reduced, Crâ‚‚O₇²⁻ is oxidized
• C. Both I⁻ and Crâ‚‚O₇²⁻ are oxidized
• D. Both I⁻ and Crâ‚‚O₇²⁻ are reduced

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the given redox reaction, I⁻ is gaining electrons to form I₂, which means I⁻ is being reduced (undergoing reduction). On the other hand, Cr₂O₇²⁻ is losing electrons to form Cr³⁺, indicating that Cr₂O₇²⁻ is being oxidized (undergoing oxidation). Therefore, I⁻ is the reducing agent and Cr₂O₇²⁻ is the oxidizing agent. Choice A is incorrect because I⁻ is being reduced, not oxidized. Choice C is incorrect as both species cannot be oxidized in the same reaction. Choice D is incorrect as both species cannot be reduced in the same reaction.

4. Which organ of the body compensates when a person's intake of vitamins decreases?

• A. Appendix
• B. Liver
• C. Pancreas
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The liver is the organ that compensates when a person's intake of vitamins decreases. It stores certain vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, and releases them when dietary intake decreases. This helps maintain the body's vitamin levels and functions. The other organs listed - Appendix, Pancreas, and Stomach - do not primarily play a role in compensating for a decrease in vitamin intake. The liver is crucial in maintaining vitamin balance, making it the correct choice in this context.

5. Which element is present in household bleach and has disinfectant properties?

• A. Sodium
• B. Chlorine
• C. Fluorine
• D. Iodine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Chlorine. Chlorine is the element present in household bleach that provides disinfectant properties due to its oxidizing ability. Chlorine is effective in killing bacteria and other microorganisms. Sodium (Choice A) is a component of common table salt and not the active disinfectant in bleach. Fluorine (Choice C) is not typically found in household bleach but is used in fluoride products. Iodine (Choice D) is used as a disinfectant in some contexts but is not the primary element in household bleach.

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