Nursing Elites

1. Which organ in the digestive system absorbs nutrients?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in absorbing digested food into the bloodstream, where the nutrients are then circulated to the body's cells for energy and other functions. The stomach primarily breaks down food through the action of acids and enzymes, while the large intestine absorbs water and salts, not nutrients. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach and does not participate in nutrient absorption.

2. Which hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle?

• A. Melatonin
• B. Insulin
• C. Cortisol
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Its secretion is influenced by light exposure, with levels typically rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling in the morning to encourage wakefulness. Insulin is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol plays a role in the body's stress response and circadian rhythm but is not the primary hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, not the sleep-wake cycle.

3. What is the primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system?

• A. To filter waste from the blood
• B. To produce urine
• C. To regulate blood pressure
• D. To maintain fluid balance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To filter waste from the blood.' The primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system is to filter waste products and excess substances from the blood, forming urine, which is then excreted from the body. This process helps maintain the body's internal environment by regulating the balance of electrolytes, fluid levels, and eliminating metabolic waste products. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while the kidneys do produce urine, regulate blood pressure, and maintain fluid balance, their primary function within the urinary system is the filtration of waste from the blood.

4. Which hormone is released during the body's fight-or-flight response?

• A. Insulin
• B. Adrenaline
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Cortisol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is released during the body's fight-or-flight response. This hormone prepares the body for rapid action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs in response to stress or danger. Insulin is not released during the fight-or-flight response; its primary role is to regulate blood sugar levels. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, and cortisol is released in response to stress to regulate various bodily functions, but adrenaline is the hormone specifically associated with the fight-or-flight response.

5. What does trypsin break down in the body?

• A. Fat
• B. Starch
• C. Proteins
• D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Trypsin is an enzyme that specifically breaks down proteins into smaller peptides by hydrolyzing peptide bonds. It is a key enzyme involved in the digestion of proteins in the body, particularly in the small intestine where it helps in the final stages of protein digestion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because trypsin does not break down fats, starch, or nucleic acids; its primary function is the digestion of proteins.

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