Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is the MOST common symptom of angina pectoris, a condition related to insufficient blood flow to the heart?

• A. Fever and chills.
• B. Chest pain or discomfort.
• C. Sudden onset of severe shortness of breath.
• D. Numbness or tingling in the extremities.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom of angina pectoris. This pain is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or pain in the chest. Fever and chills, sudden onset of severe shortness of breath, and numbness or tingling in the extremities are not typical symptoms of angina pectoris. The pain associated with angina is usually triggered by physical or emotional stress and typically subsides with rest or medication, distinguishing it from other conditions.

2. Which of the following structures has the lowest blood pressure?

• A. Arteries
• B. Arterioles
• C. Venules
• D. Veins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Veins have the lowest blood pressure among the listed structures. Blood pressure decreases as blood flows from arteries to arterioles, then to venules, and finally to veins. Veins return blood to the heart under low pressure because they have thinner walls and larger lumens compared to arteries and arterioles. This anatomical difference allows veins to accommodate a greater volume of blood without a significant rise in pressure. Arteries have the highest blood pressure to propel blood away from the heart, followed by arterioles which regulate blood flow to capillaries. Venules collect blood from capillaries and connect to veins, which then carry blood back to the heart at a lower pressure.

3. Which structure in the digestive system absorbs the most nutrients?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site where the absorption of nutrients from digested food occurs. Its large surface area, specialized cells, and villi play key roles in maximizing nutrient absorption, making it the structure in the digestive system that absorbs the most nutrients. The stomach's main function is to break down food with acid and enzymes, not absorb nutrients. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, not nutrients. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat with the stomach and does not play a role in nutrient absorption.

4. Which of the following is NOT a function of the muscular system?

• A. Movement
• B. Maintaining posture
• C. Generating heat
• D. Regulating blood sugar levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The muscular system is responsible for movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat. Regulating blood sugar levels is not a function of the muscular system. This function is primarily carried out by the endocrine system, specifically the pancreas and its production of insulin and glucagon. Choices A, B, and C are all correct functions of the muscular system as they involve the contraction and relaxation of muscles to produce movement, support the body's structure, and generate heat as a byproduct of muscle activity.

5. What is the main function of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located above the larynx?

• A. To warm and humidify inhaled air
• B. To control the passage of food and air
• C. To produce sound vibrations for speech
• D. To sense the presence of foreign objects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the epiglottis is to control the passage of food and air. It acts as a cover for the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. This mechanism ensures that food safely travels down the esophagus to the stomach, while air simultaneously enters the trachea and moves into the lungs for respiration. Choice A is incorrect as the warming and humidifying of inhaled air primarily occur in the nasal cavity. Choice C is incorrect because sound production for speech involves structures like the vocal cords rather than the epiglottis. Choice D is incorrect as sensing foreign objects is not a primary function of the epiglottis; instead, this role is typically associated with sensory receptors in the respiratory tract.

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