Nursing Elites

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

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To absorb nutrients. The small intestine's main role in the digestive system is to absorb nutrients from digested food. It has specialized structures, such as villi and microvilli, that increase its surface area for efficient absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Choice A is incorrect because the small intestine does not primarily secrete digestive enzymes; that role is mainly carried out by the pancreas and other digestive organs. Choice C is incorrect because the small intestine primarily absorbs nutrients rather than breaking down food. Choice D is incorrect because the absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine, not the small intestine.

2. What condition might result from a lack of vitamin C?

• A. Kwashiorkor
• B. Pellagra
• C. Rickets
• D. Scurvy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Scurvy is the correct answer. Scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency leads to symptoms such as weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, fatigue, and easy bruising. If left untreated, scurvy can lead to more severe complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition due to insufficient protein intake, pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), and rickets results from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

3. Which is a posterior feature of the human leg?

• A. Patella
• B. Quadriceps sartorius
• C. Triceps brachii
• D. Achilles tendon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a strong tendon located at the back of the human leg, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This positioning makes it a posterior feature, situated at the rear of the leg. The patella, also known as the kneecap, is positioned at the front of the leg, making it an anterior feature. The quadriceps sartorius are muscles located in the front of the thigh, not at the back of the leg. Additionally, the triceps brachii is a muscle found in the upper arm, not in the leg, making it an incorrect choice.

4. Which of the following statements is anatomically correct?

• A. The knee is distal to the ankle.
• B. The heart is inferior to the diaphragm.
• C. The hip is proximal to the knee.
• D. The wrist is proximal to the elbow.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term 'proximal' refers to a body part being closer to the center of the body or a point of reference. In this case, the hip is closer to the center of the body compared to the knee, which makes the statement anatomically correct. Choice A is incorrect as the knee is proximal to the ankle. Choice B is incorrect as the heart is superior to the diaphragm. Choice D is incorrect as the elbow is proximal to the wrist.

5. What is the primary function of red blood cells?

• A. Clotting blood
• B. Transporting oxygen
• C. Fighting infection
• D. Carrying hormones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs. This is essential for cellular respiration and overall body functions. Red blood cells do not play a role in clotting blood, fighting infection, or carrying hormones. Choice A is incorrect because clotting blood is primarily done by platelets and other components of blood. Choice C is incorrect as fighting infection is a function mainly carried out by white blood cells. Choice D is incorrect because carrying hormones is primarily attributed to proteins like albumin and specific hormone-carrying proteins.

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