Nursing Elites

1. What is the technical term for the involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract?

• A. Segmentation
• B. Peristalsis
• C. Chylification
• D. Emulsification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peristalsis is the term used to describe the involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract. This process involves rhythmic contractions and relaxations of the muscles in the digestive system, which help propel food from the esophagus to the stomach and through the intestines for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Segmentation refers to the mixing movements in the intestines that aid in the absorption of nutrients but is not the term for the movement of food through the digestive tract. Chylification is not a recognized term in digestive physiology. Emulsification is the process of breaking down fat globules into smaller droplets to aid in digestion, not the movement of food through the digestive tract.

2. Which of the following is the space between the lungs?

• A. Mediastinum
• B. Pericardial cavity
• C. Pleural cavity
• D. Thoracic space

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, mediastinum. The mediastinum is the space between the lungs in the chest that contains the heart, major blood vessels, esophagus, trachea, and other structures. This area separates the lungs into right and left cavities. Choice B, pericardial cavity, is incorrect as it refers to the space that surrounds the heart. Choice C, pleural cavity, is not the correct answer as it is the space between the layers of the pleura surrounding each lung. Choice D, thoracic space, is a vague term and not specific to the space between the lungs.

3. What is the process of converting lactic acid back into pyruvate called?

• A. Glycolysis
• B. Gluconeogenesis
• C. Cori cycle
• D. Oxidative phosphorylation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate. B) Gluconeogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. C) The Cori cycle is the process by which lactic acid produced by anaerobic metabolism in muscles is transported to the liver and converted back into glucose or pyruvate. D) Oxidative phosphorylation is the process by which ATP is synthesized using energy derived from the transfer of electrons in the electron transport chain.

4. What is the difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)?

• A. Emphysema damages alveoli, while chronic bronchitis inflames airways.
• B. Emphysema causes coughing, while chronic bronchitis leads to shortness of breath.
• C. Emphysema is more reversible than chronic bronchitis.
• D. Emphysema affects only smokers, while chronic bronchitis can occur in non-smokers.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveoli in the lungs, leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to excessive mucus production and coughing. Therefore, the correct difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis is that emphysema damages the alveoli, while chronic bronchitis inflames the airways. Choice B is incorrect because chronic bronchitis is associated with coughing, not emphysema. Choice C is incorrect as chronic bronchitis is typically less reversible compared to emphysema. Choice D is incorrect as both emphysema and chronic bronchitis are commonly seen in smokers, but chronic bronchitis can also occur in non-smokers due to other factors such as air pollution or genetic predisposition.

5. Which of the following structures can serve as a passageway for both food and air?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Laryngopharynx
• C. Nasopharynx
• D. Trachea

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Laryngopharynx. It is a common passageway for both food and air. The Esophagus (Choice A) is solely for transporting food from the throat to the stomach. The Nasopharynx (Choice C) is primarily involved in the passage of air. The Trachea (Choice D) is responsible for conducting air to and from the lungs and does not play a role in the passage of food.

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