Nursing Elites

1. When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:

• A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
• B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
• C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
• D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

2. Which part of the brainstem controls heart rate and breathing?

• A. Medulla oblongata
• B. Pons
• C. Midbrain
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It houses centers that oversee these involuntary processes, making it the correct answer. The pons, midbrain, and thalamus do not primarily control heart rate and breathing, thus making them incorrect choices for this question.

3. What are the four main regions of the stomach?

• A. Pylorus, cecum, fundus, body
• B. Cardia, fundus, body, pylorus
• C. Duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum
• D. Cardia, fundus, body, ileum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardia, fundus, body, pylorus. The four main regions of the stomach are the cardia (where food enters), fundus (upper part), body (largest part), and pylorus (exit part to the small intestine). These regions play specific roles in the digestion process. Choice A is incorrect because the cecum is part of the large intestine, not the stomach. Choice C lists parts of the small intestine, not the stomach. Choice D is incorrect as the ileum is the last part of the small intestine, not a region of the stomach.

4. Where does most of the chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients occur?

• A. Mouth
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for both chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. The lining of the small intestine is equipped with villi and microvilli, which significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver play crucial roles in further breaking down food into absorbable molecules that can pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. While the stomach assists in mechanical breakdown and initial protein digestion, it is not the main site of nutrient absorption. The large intestine, on the other hand, mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food particles. The mouth aids in initial mechanical breakdown and some carbohydrate digestion, but the majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, making it the correct answer.

5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the lymphatic system?

• A. Removing substances from the blood.
• B. Releasing hormones.
• C. Combating disease.
• D. Maintaining tissue fluid balance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Releasing hormones is not a function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays crucial roles in removing substances from the blood, combating disease through the production of immune cells, and maintaining tissue fluid balance by circulating lymph. Releasing hormones is primarily the function of endocrine glands, not the lymphatic system.

Similar Questions