Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the large intestine in the digestive system?

• A. To secrete digestive enzymes
• B. To absorb water and form solid waste
• C. To produce bile
• D. To transport nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The large intestine's primary function is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter that enters it from the small intestine. This absorption process helps in forming solid waste (feces) by compacting the material and preparing it for excretion. The large intestine does not secrete digestive enzymes, produce bile, or transport nutrients. Therefore, option B, 'To absorb water and form solid waste,' is the correct function of the large intestine in the digestive system.

2. What is the primary role of the small intestine in nutrient absorption?

• A. To break down food
• B. To absorb nutrients
• C. To secrete digestive enzymes
• D. To store glucose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To absorb nutrients.' The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in absorbing nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream, facilitating the delivery of essential nutrients to the body for various functions and processes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while the small intestine does contribute to the breakdown of food and does secrete digestive enzymes, its primary function is to absorb nutrients, not to store glucose.

3. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

• A. To remove carbon dioxide from the body
• B. To transport oxygen to the cells
• C. To deliver nutrients to cells
• D. To create sound and speech

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases. It transports oxygen from the air into the bloodstream, which is crucial for cellular respiration and providing energy to the cells. Additionally, it removes carbon dioxide, which is a waste product that needs to be eliminated. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while the respiratory system does remove carbon dioxide, its primary role is oxygen transport, not nutrient delivery, sound, or speech production.

4. Which muscle is responsible for breathing?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal muscles
• C. Rectus abdominis
• D. Pectoralis major

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest cavity. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing inhalation. When it relaxes, it returns to its dome shape, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing exhalation. The intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, assist the diaphragm in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity. The rectus abdominis and pectoralis major are not directly involved in the process of breathing.

5. Which enzyme functions to break down lactose, a specific sugar found in milk and dairy products?

• A. Catalase
• B. Lipase
• C. Protease
• D. Lactase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lactase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products. When lactase breaks down lactose, it splits it into two simpler sugars, glucose, and galactose, which can then be absorbed and used by the body. Catalase is involved in breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect for the specific breakdown of lactose.

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