Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary role of the large intestine?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To absorb water. The primary role of the large intestine is to absorb water from indigestible food matter. This absorption process helps in forming solid waste for excretion. Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the large intestine. Breaking down food and secreting digestive enzymes are functions primarily associated with the stomach and small intestine.

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

• A. To transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
• B. To regulate body temperature
• C. To fight infections
• D. To produce energy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the bloodstream. Oxygen is taken in during inhalation and transported to cells, while carbon dioxide is removed during exhalation as a waste product of cellular metabolism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the primary function of the respiratory system. Regulating body temperature is mainly controlled by the thermoregulatory system, fighting infections is a function of the immune system, and producing energy is primarily done by the metabolic system.

3. Which type of muscle is found in the heart?

• A. Smooth muscle
• B. Cardiac muscle
• C. Skeletal muscle
• D. Striated muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cardiac muscle is a specialized type of muscle found only in the heart. It is responsible for the rhythmic contractions that pump blood throughout the body. Unlike smooth and skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle has its own unique structure and function to meet the demands of the heart's continuous pumping action. Smooth muscle is found in the walls of internal organs and blood vessels, not in the heart. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and helps in movement but is not found in the heart. Striated muscle is a broader term that includes both cardiac and skeletal muscle, but specifically, cardiac muscle refers to the muscle tissue of the heart.

4. What is the primary function of the large intestine?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter and form solid waste (feces) for excretion. This process helps in reabsorbing water and electrolytes, resulting in the formation of feces by compacting the waste material. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the large intestine is not responsible for producing digestive enzymes, secreting hormones, or transporting nutrients. These functions are typically associated with other parts of the digestive system.

5. When are gallstones most problematic?

• A. When they block a duct
• B. When they contain cholesterol
• C. When they contain bilirubin
• D. When they begin to dissolve

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gallstones become most problematic when they block a duct, such as the bile duct or cystic duct. This blockage can lead to various complications, including inflammation, infection, and even damage to the gallbladder or liver. In severe cases, a blocked duct can cause intense pain, jaundice, and other serious symptoms that require medical intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the presence of cholesterol or bilirubin in gallstones or the process of dissolution do not necessarily indicate when gallstones become most problematic. The critical issue arises when the stones obstruct a duct, leading to complications.

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