Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?

• A. Insulin
• B. Glucagon
• C. Somatostatin
• D. Cortisol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. It promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, reducing blood sugar levels. Glucagon, on the other hand, works to raise blood glucose levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen into glucose and releasing it into the bloodstream. Somatostatin regulates the endocrine system and inhibits the release of insulin and glucagon. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, not the pancreas, and it plays a role in stress response and metabolism, but it does not directly lower blood glucose levels.

2. What is the function of the stomach in digestion?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To break down food.' The stomach's primary function in digestion is to break down food mechanically and chemically. It accomplishes this by mixing food with gastric acid and digestive enzymes, resulting in the formation of chyme, a semi-liquid mixture that moves on to further digestion in the small intestine. Choice A is incorrect because the absorption of nutrients occurs mainly in the small intestine, not in the stomach. Choice C is incorrect because while the stomach does secrete digestive enzymes like pepsin, its primary role is not just limited to enzyme secretion. Choice D is incorrect because the storage of glucose primarily occurs in the liver and muscles, not in the stomach.

3. Which of the following structures is found in the upper respiratory system alongside the Pharynx?

• A. Larynx
• B. Trachea
• C. Pharynx
• D. Bronchi

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Larynx.' The larynx is indeed located in the upper respiratory system alongside the pharynx. Positioned below the pharynx and above the trachea, the larynx is crucial for breathing and sound production. The trachea and bronchi are part of the lower respiratory system and are situated below the larynx, making them incorrect choices in this context.

4. Which type of blood cell is responsible for carrying oxygen?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red blood cells. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are specialized cells designed to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs throughout the body. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and releases them in other parts of the body where oxygen is needed for cellular respiration. White blood cells (choice B) are part of the immune system, responsible for fighting infections. Platelets (choice C) are involved in blood clotting. Plasma cells (choice D) are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to help the body fight off infections.

5. What is the primary role of the small intestine in nutrient absorption?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To absorb nutrients.' The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in absorbing nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream, facilitating the delivery of essential nutrients to the body for various functions and processes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while the small intestine does contribute to the breakdown of food and does secrete digestive enzymes, its primary function is to absorb nutrients, not to store glucose.

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