Nursing Elites

1. Which gland produces hormones that regulate sleep?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pineal gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pituitary gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is influenced by exposure to light, with levels increasing in the evening to promote sleep and decreasing in the morning to signal wakefulness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol related to stress response, and the pituitary gland controls various functions by releasing different hormones but not specifically related to regulating sleep.

2. Enlargement of the thyroid, commonly known as a goiter, might be expected to affect ___________.

• A. swallowing
• B. insulin levels
• C. sleep
• D. digestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Enlargement of the thyroid, known as a goiter, can compress the nearby structures in the neck, including the esophagus. This compression can lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or a sensation of pressure in the throat. Therefore, an enlarged thyroid gland is expected to affect swallowing. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a goiter primarily affects structures in the neck due to its physical enlargement, rather than directly impacting insulin levels, sleep, or digestion.

3. What is the primary function of the liver in the digestive system?

• A. To produce bile
• B. To secrete digestive enzymes
• C. To store glucose
• D. To store bile

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To produce bile.' The liver's primary role in the digestive system is to produce bile. Bile is essential for emulsifying fats, aiding in their digestion and absorption in the small intestine. Choice B is incorrect because while the liver does secrete some digestive enzymes, its primary function is bile production. Choice C is incorrect because while the liver does store glucose, it is not its primary function in the digestive system. Choice D is incorrect because the liver produces bile, but it does not store it.

4. Which structure is responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Plasma
• C. Platelets
• D. Red blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hemoglobin, located in red blood cells, is responsible for binding to oxygen in the lungs and transporting it to tissues throughout the body. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, making them the primary carrier of oxygen to cells. Hemoglobin is the correct answer because it is the protein within red blood cells that directly binds to oxygen for transport. Plasma is the liquid component of blood and does not carry oxygen. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting and have no role in oxygen transport. While red blood cells do carry oxygen, it is specifically the hemoglobin within them that performs this function.

5. What is the function of the large intestine in the digestive system?

• A. To secrete digestive enzymes
• B. To absorb water and form solid waste
• C. To produce bile
• D. To transport nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The large intestine's primary function is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter that enters it from the small intestine. This absorption process helps in forming solid waste (feces) by compacting the material and preparing it for excretion. The large intestine does not secrete digestive enzymes, produce bile, or transport nutrients. Therefore, option B, 'To absorb water and form solid waste,' is the correct function of the large intestine in the digestive system.

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