Nursing Elites

1. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. What enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Trypsin is the correct enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids. It is produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine to facilitate protein digestion. Pepsin is an enzyme from the stomach that also breaks down proteins, amylase targets carbohydrates, and lipase works on fats. In this context, since the question specifies the pancreas and small intestine, the correct answer is Trypsin as it is the pancreatic enzyme responsible for protein breakdown in the small intestine.

2. What term refers to the mechanical act of breathing?

• A. Diffusion
• B. Perfusion
• C. Respiration
• D. Ventilation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ventilation is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the mechanical process of breathing air in and out of the lungs. Diffusion (choice A) is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration, not related to the mechanical act of breathing. Perfusion (choice B) is the process of blood flow through the tissues and organs, not directly related to breathing mechanically. Respiration (choice C) involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the cellular level, different from the mechanical act of breathing.

3. Which of the following nerves has the longest axon in the human body?

• A. Dorsal root ganglion
• B. Laryngeal nerve
• C. Sciatic nerve
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sciatic nerve contains the longest axon in the human body, extending from the lower back down the leg. This nerve is responsible for innervating the muscles of the lower limb. The dorsal root ganglion and laryngeal nerve do not possess axons as long as the sciatic nerve, making them incorrect choices. Therefore, the correct answer is C, the sciatic nerve.

4. Which state of matter has both a definite volume and a definite shape?

• A. Solid
• B. Liquid
• C. Gas
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Solid.' Solids have both a definite volume and a definite shape because the particles are closely packed together and vibrate in fixed positions. This close arrangement of particles allows solids to maintain their shape and volume, unlike liquids and gases which do not have a definite shape. Liquids take the shape of their container but have a definite volume. Gases, on the other hand, do not have a definite shape or volume as they expand to fill the space available to them. Plasma is a high-energy state of matter where atoms are stripped of their electrons and is not characterized by definite shape or volume.

5. What is the name of the master gland that regulates the function of many other endocrine glands?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Adrenal gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is commonly referred to as the master gland because it controls the functions of numerous other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that are essential for regulating processes like growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. The thyroid gland (Choice A) primarily regulates metabolism and does not oversee other endocrine glands. The hypothalamus (Choice C) plays a role in regulating the pituitary gland but is not the master gland. The adrenal gland (Choice D) produces hormones related to stress response but is not considered the master gland that regulates other endocrine glands.

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