Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the cilia lining the respiratory tract?

• A. Trapping inhaled dust and debris
• B. Moistening inhaled air
• C. Producing mucus
• D. Propelling mucus upwards towards the throat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moistening inhaled air. The cilia lining the respiratory tract primarily function to trap inhaled dust and debris, produce mucus, and propel the mucus upwards towards the throat for removal. Moistening inhaled air is primarily done by the mucous membranes in the nasal passages, which contain blood vessels that help warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal cavity. Therefore, the function of moistening inhaled air is not directly associated with the cilia in the respiratory tract, making it the correct choice in this scenario. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are all functions carried out by the cilia in the respiratory tract.

2. Where is the major site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is recognized as the major site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. The small intestine's villi and microvilli provide a large surface area specialized for absorbing nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This efficient absorption process is essential for supplying the body with the necessary nutrients for energy production, growth, and overall functioning. The mouth is primarily involved in the initial stages of digestion through mechanical and chemical breakdown of food. The stomach aids in further mechanical and chemical digestion but is not the primary site for nutrient absorption. The large intestine's main function is to absorb water and electrolytes, not nutrients.

3. Which of the following is responsible for maintaining the body's circadian rhythm?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pineal gland
• C. Pancreas
• D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pineal gland is responsible for maintaining the body's circadian rhythm by producing melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and is essential in controlling the body's internal clock. The thyroid gland, although important for metabolism, is not directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms. The pancreas plays a role in blood sugar regulation through insulin production, not in controlling circadian rhythms. The hypothalamus is involved in regulating various bodily functions, but the pineal gland is specifically responsible for the circadian rhythm.

4. Which of the following describes the muscular organ that processes food material into increasingly smaller pieces, mixes it with saliva to create a bolus, and creates a barrier to transport food into the esophagus?

• A. pharynx
• B. tongue
• C. diaphragm
• D. stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The tongue is the muscular organ responsible for manipulating food material in the mouth, breaking it down into smaller pieces, and mixing it with saliva to form a bolus. It also plays a crucial role in pushing the food bolus towards the back of the mouth to facilitate swallowing and transport the food into the esophagus. The pharynx is involved in swallowing and directing food to the esophagus after it passes the mouth. The diaphragm is a muscle involved in the breathing process, not food processing. The stomach is an organ responsible for further digestion of food after it passes through the esophagus.

5. What is the mass number of an element?

• A. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
• B. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
• C. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.
• D. The number of isotopes of an element.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. It specifically focuses on the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which contributes to the overall mass of the atom. Therefore, the mass number is not solely determined by the number of protons, electrons, or isotopes. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to the atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Choice C is incorrect as the number of electrons in the valence shell is related to the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, not the mass number. Choice D is incorrect because the mass number does not represent the number of isotopes of an element, but rather the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Thus, option B, the number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, is the correct choice.

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