Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of dietary fiber in the digestive system?

• A. To provide energy
• B. To break down fats
• C. To promote gut bacteria growth
• D. To aid in absorption of nutrients

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dietary fiber refers to the indigestible portion of plant foods that passes relatively intact through the digestive system. While fiber does not directly provide energy to the body, it plays a crucial role in promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria help in the fermentation of fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that can be used as an energy source by the body. Additionally, fiber aids in regulating bowel movements, maintaining gut health, and supporting overall digestive function. The functions described in the incorrect choices do not align with the primary role of dietary fiber in the digestive system. Choice A is incorrect because fiber itself is not a direct energy source. Choice B is incorrect as fiber does not break down fats. Choice D is incorrect because while fiber affects nutrient absorption indirectly by supporting gut health, its primary role is not to aid in the absorption of nutrients.

2. The small intestine is where most of the chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occur. What is the finger-like projection in the small intestine that increases its surface area for absorption?

• A. Rugae
• B. Villi
• C. Microvilli
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Microvilli are the finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase its surface area for absorption. Villi are also present in the small intestine and help increase the surface area for absorption. However, microvilli are smaller structures found on the surface of villi, further increasing the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Rugae are folds in the stomach that allow for expansion when food is consumed and are not found in the small intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Microvilli. Villi and microvilli are specific to the small intestine, playing vital roles in nutrient absorption, while rugae are specific to the stomach's structure and function, serving a different purpose than increasing surface area for absorption.

3. In which regions of the digestive system is amylase produced?

• A. pancreas and salivary glands
• B. gall bladder and salivary glands
• C. gall bladder and liver
• D. pancreas and liver

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into smaller sugars. It is produced in the pancreas and salivary glands. The salivary glands release amylase into the mouth during chewing, where it initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates. The pancreas also secretes amylase into the small intestine to further assist in carbohydrate digestion. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the gall bladder does not produce amylase, and the liver's primary function is not the production of amylase for carbohydrate breakdown.

4. Which of the following blood proteins can destroy pathogens?

• A. Complement system
• B. Fibrinogen
• C. Major histocompatibility complex
• D. Platelets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Complement system. The complement system is a vital component of the immune system responsible for destroying pathogens through various mechanisms like promoting inflammation, enhancing phagocytosis, and directly lysing pathogens. Fibrinogen is crucial for blood clotting, the major histocompatibility complex is involved in immune responses, and platelets aid in blood clotting and wound healing. However, none of these directly destroy pathogens as the complement system does.

5. Which type of cell division is responsible for growth and repair?

• A. Meiosis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Binary fission
• D. Osmosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct type of cell division responsible for growth and repair. During mitosis, a cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, contributing to growth and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is involved in the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms, and osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to growth and repair in multicellular organisms.

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