Nursing Elites

1. Which part of the brain controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located at the base of the brainstem, controls essential involuntary actions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It plays a crucial role in maintaining vital functions necessary for survival. The cerebrum is responsible for voluntary actions, conscious thought, and sensory processing, making it an incorrect choice. The cerebellum primarily coordinates movement, balance, and posture, not involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate. The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, thirst, hunger, and controls the endocrine system, but it is not directly responsible for controlling breathing and heart rate.

2. Which bone does not articulate with any other bone in the body?

• A. Scapula
• B. Hyoid
• C. Radius
• D. Femur

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyoid. The hyoid bone is the only bone in the body that does not articulate with any other bones. It is located in the neck and supports the tongue and other muscles involved in swallowing and speech. The scapula articulates with the clavicle and humerus, the radius with the ulna and humerus, and the femur with the pelvis and tibia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they all articulate with other bones in the body.

3. What is the primary function of the circulatory system?

• A. To produce hormones
• B. To transport oxygen and nutrients
• C. To fight infections
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The circulatory system's primary function is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells and remove waste products. Choice A is incorrect because hormone production is primarily carried out by endocrine glands. Choice C is incorrect as fighting infections is a role of the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as regulating body temperature is mainly controlled by the integumentary and nervous systems.

4. What is the primary function of the small intestine in the digestive system?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To absorb nutrients. The small intestine's main role in the digestive system is to absorb nutrients from digested food. It has specialized structures, such as villi and microvilli, that increase its surface area for efficient absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Choice A is incorrect because the small intestine does not primarily secrete digestive enzymes; that role is mainly carried out by the pancreas and other digestive organs. Choice C is incorrect because the small intestine primarily absorbs nutrients rather than breaking down food. Choice D is incorrect because the absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine, not the small intestine.

5. The vena cavae drain blood from the body into the ___________.

• A. right atrium
• B. right ventricle
• C. left atrium
• D. left ventricle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The vena cavae are large veins responsible for returning deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart. They empty into the right atrium of the heart. From the right atrium, the blood is then pumped into the right ventricle before being sent to the pulmonary circulation for oxygenation, making choice A, 'right atrium,' the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the vena cavae do not empty into the ventricles of the heart; instead, they deliver blood to the atria.

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