Nursing Elites

1. Which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Maltase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pepsin. Pepsin is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which becomes activated by the acidic environment in the stomach. Pepsin functions by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, which are further digested by other enzymes in the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrates, and maltase for converting maltose into glucose. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and converting maltose, respectively, not proteins.

2. How does the developing fetus primarily eliminate metabolic wastes?

• A. The developing fetus does not produce metabolic wastes.
• B. Fetal waste is excreted as feces, which pass into the mother's anus.
• C. Fetal waste is passed down the umbilical cord to the mother's circulatory system.
• D. Fetal waste is passed down the umbilical cord and leaves the mother's body via the vagina.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Metabolic wastes produced by the developing fetus are eliminated primarily by being passed down the umbilical cord to the mother's circulatory system. Once in the mother's blood, these wastes are then filtered and excreted by the mother's kidneys. Choice A is incorrect because the developing fetus does produce metabolic wastes. Choice B is incorrect as fetal waste does not pass into the mother's anus. Choice D is incorrect as fetal waste does not leave the mother's body via the vagina.

3. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting which neurotransmitter?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Glutamate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in coordinating movement. The reduction of dopamine levels leads to the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Choice B, acetylcholine, is involved in functions like muscle contraction and autonomic nervous system regulation but is not primarily affected in Parkinson's disease. Serotonin (Choice C) is involved in mood regulation and sleep, not the main neurotransmitter affected in Parkinson's disease. Glutamate (Choice D) is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and is not primarily implicated in Parkinson's disease pathophysiology.

4. Which of the following types of muscles is found in the walls of hollow organs?

• A. Cardiac
• B. Smooth
• C. Skeletal
• D. Voluntary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscles are the correct answer as they are found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines and blood vessels. Cardiac muscles are specifically found in the heart and are responsible for its contractions. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and control voluntary movements. Voluntary muscles are under conscious control, but this term is not a specific type of muscle like smooth, cardiac, or skeletal muscles.

5. During swallowing, what is the role of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located near the base of the tongue?

• A. Initiates the swallowing reflex
• B. Grinds food into smaller pieces
• C. Covers the trachea to prevent food aspiration
• D. Stores saliva for lubrication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis plays a crucial role during swallowing by covering the trachea to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway, which could lead to aspiration. By acting as a lid over the trachea, it ensures that food passes down the esophagus to the stomach, preventing it from entering the lungs. Choice A is incorrect as the swallowing reflex is a coordinated muscular action involving the tongue and throat muscles. Choice B is incorrect as grinding food into smaller pieces is primarily the function of the teeth and the initial stages of digestion. Choice D is incorrect as the storage of saliva for lubrication is not a function of the epiglottis, but rather involves salivary glands.

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