Nursing Elites

1. Which structure in the ear is responsible for maintaining balance?

• A. Cochlea
• B. Semicircular canals
• C. Eardrum
• D. Auditory nerve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the semicircular canals. These structures in the inner ear are responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium by detecting rotational movements of the head. The cochlea is responsible for hearing as it contains the sensory cells for detecting sound vibrations, the eardrum is a membrane that transmits sound waves to the middle ear, and the auditory nerve carries sound signals from the cochlea to the brain for processing. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not primarily associated with maintaining balance.

2. Dietary fiber, although not fully digested by the body, plays a crucial role in digestion. What is one of the main benefits of consuming sufficient dietary fiber?

• A. Provides a concentrated source of energy
• B. Aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals
• C. Promotes satiety and gut health
• D. Breaks down complex carbohydrates

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Consuming sufficient dietary fiber promotes satiety and gut health by adding bulk to the diet, helping with feelings of fullness, and supporting healthy digestion. Additionally, fiber aids in regulating bowel movements and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, contributing to overall digestive wellness. It does not provide a concentrated source of energy as fiber is not fully digested for energy production, nor does it directly aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Fiber does not break down complex carbohydrates but rather assists in their digestion and absorption by slowing down the process, which helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and promoting better overall health.

3. Which type of cartilage allows for smooth movement at joints and absorbs shock?

• A. Hyaline cartilage
• B. Fibrocartilage
• C. Elastic cartilage
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fibrocartilage is the correct answer. It is found in areas requiring both support and resilience, such as the intervertebral discs and knee joints. Fibrocartilage contains collagen fibers for strength and proteoglycans for resilience, making it suitable for functions that involve smooth movement at joints and shock absorption. Hyaline cartilage, while providing structural support, is not primarily responsible for smooth movement and shock absorption. Elastic cartilage is more flexible and is found in locations like the ear and epiglottis, but it is not known for its shock-absorbing properties. Choosing 'None of the above' disregards the correct option of fibrocartilage, which is specifically designed for the functions described in the question.

4. What is the main function of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland?

• A. Stimulate metabolism and heat production
• B. Increase calcium absorption from the intestines
• C. Enhance bone growth and development
• D. Lower blood calcium levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that primarily functions to lower blood calcium levels. It achieves this by inhibiting bone breakdown and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it reflects the main role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the primary function of calcitonin. Calcitonin does not stimulate metabolism and heat production (Choice A), increase calcium absorption from the intestines (Choice B), or enhance bone growth and development (Choice C).

5. Which term refers to a position farther from the midline of the body? For example, the little toe is lateral to the big toe on the same foot.

• A. Lateral
• B. Medial
• C. Proximal
• D. Distal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lateral. Lateral refers to a position farther away from the midline of the body. In the example provided, the little toe is indeed lateral to the big toe on the same foot. This is in contrast to 'medial,' which means closer to the midline. 'Proximal' refers to a position closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body, while 'distal' refers to a position farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Similar Questions