Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which term describes the resistance of a substance to flow?

• A. Density
• B. Viscosity
• C. Conductivity
• D. Malleability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Viscosity is the term used to describe the resistance of a substance to flow. It quantifies how thick or thin a fluid is and how easily it flows. Density (A) refers to the mass of a substance per unit volume and does not directly relate to resistance to flow. Conductivity (C) is the property of a material to conduct electricity or heat, not related to resistance to flow. Malleability (D) is the property of a material to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, which is not related to resistance to flow.

3. What are the building blocks of proteins?

• A. Sugars
• B. Fatty acids
• C. Amino acids
• D. Nucleotides

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Proteins are macromolecules made up of long chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are linked together through peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains, which then fold into specific three-dimensional structures to carry out various functions in the body. Sugars (choice A) are the building blocks of carbohydrates, fatty acids (choice B) are the building blocks of lipids, and nucleotides (choice D) are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Therefore, the correct answer is amino acids (choice C), as they are specifically responsible for protein synthesis.

4. Which of the following terms refers to the process of breaking large molecules into smaller molecules to provide energy?

• A. Metabolism
• B. Bioenergetics
• C. Anabolism
• D. Catabolism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Catabolism.' Catabolism specifically involves breaking down large molecules into smaller ones to release energy. It is the opposite of anabolism, which is the process of building larger molecules from smaller ones. 'Metabolism' (choice A) is a broader term that encompasses all chemical processes in an organism, including anabolism and catabolism. 'Bioenergetics' (choice B) refers to the flow and transformation of energy in a biological system, not specifically the breakdown of molecules for energy.

5. What do lacteals absorb in the small intestine?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Lipids
• C. Proteins
• D. Nonpolar nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lacteals are lymphatic capillaries in the small intestine that specialize in absorbing dietary lipids. These lipids are then transported into the lymphatic system for further processing and distribution throughout the body. Choice A (Carbohydrates) is incorrect because carbohydrates are primarily digested and absorbed in the small intestine by enzymes and transported to the liver. Choice C (Proteins) is incorrect because proteins are broken down into amino acids and absorbed in the small intestine, mainly by the villi. Choice D (Nonpolar nutrients) is incorrect as it is a vague term and not specific to what lacteals absorb, which are primarily lipids.

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