Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the small intestine in digestion?

• A. Breaking down fats
• B. Absorbing nutrients
• C. Secreting digestive enzymes
• D. Storing bile

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absorbing nutrients. The small intestine plays a crucial role in digestion by absorbing nutrients. It is where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs, allowing digested food to pass into the bloodstream for distribution to the body's cells. Choice A (Breaking down fats) is incorrect because the breakdown of fats primarily occurs in the small intestine with the help of bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas. Choice C (Secreting digestive enzymes) is incorrect because while the small intestine does produce some digestive enzymes, its primary role is absorption. Choice D (Storing bile) is incorrect as the storage of bile occurs in the gallbladder, not the small intestine.

2. What is the name of the structure that prevents food from entering the airway?

• A. trachea
• B. esophagus
• C. diaphragm
• D. epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the airway. It acts as a lid over the trachea during swallowing, directing food to the esophagus instead of the windpipe (trachea). The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that allows air to pass into the lungs, the esophagus (Choice B) is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, and the diaphragm (Choice C) is a muscle involved in breathing and not in preventing food passage.

3. Beriberi is a disease caused by a lack of ___________.

• A. thiamine
• B. vitamin C
• C. niacin
• D. protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. Thiamine is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and energy metabolism in the body. Without enough thiamine, individuals may develop symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, nerve damage, and heart problems, which are characteristic of beriberi. Vitamin C (choice B), niacin (choice C), and protein (choice D) deficiencies can cause other health issues but are not directly related to beriberi.

4. What is the role of the alveoli in the lungs?

• A. To filter blood
• B. To exchange gases
• C. To transport nutrients
• D. To store oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The alveoli in the lungs are tiny air sacs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during breathing. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream through the alveoli, while carbon dioxide produced by cells is removed from the blood and exhaled out of the body through the alveoli. This gas exchange process is essential for the body to obtain oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide, supporting cellular functions and maintaining overall health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the alveoli do not filter blood, transport nutrients, or store oxygen. Their main function is gas exchange.

5. A tissue examined under the microscope exhibits the following characteristics: cells found on the internal surface of the stomach, no extracellular matrix, cells tall and thin, and no blood vessels in the tissue. What type of tissue is this?

• A. Epithelial
• B. Connective
• C. Muscle
• D. Cartilage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Epithelial.' Epithelial tissue is characterized by cells that cover internal and external surfaces, such as the lining of the stomach. It lacks an extracellular matrix, has tall and thin cells, and does not contain blood vessels. The other choices are incorrect because connective tissue typically has an extracellular matrix, muscle tissue is composed of contractile cells, and cartilage is a type of connective tissue with a specific extracellular matrix and cell arrangement.

Similar Questions