Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the epiglottis?

• A. Produces saliva
• B. Senses taste
• C. Prevents food from entering the windpipe
• D. Filters blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action ensures that food and liquids are directed to the esophagus and down into the stomach, rather than entering the respiratory system, which could lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they describe functions of other structures in the body that are not related to the role of the epiglottis.

2. Which of the following quantities do catalysts alter to control the rate of a chemical reaction?

• A. Substrate energy
• B. Activation energy
• C. Inhibitor energy
• D. Promoter energy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Activation energy. Catalysts function by reducing the activation energy needed for a chemical reaction to proceed. By lowering the activation energy, catalysts facilitate the reaction without being consumed themselves. Substrate energy, inhibitors, and promoters are not directly altered by catalysts in the same way activation energy is. Substrate energy refers to the energy of the reactants, which is not altered by catalysts. Inhibitors increase the activation energy required for a reaction, while promoters enhance the effectiveness of a catalyst but do not represent a quantity altered by catalysts.

3. Which of the following is the cartilaginous flap that protects the larynx from water or food while still allowing the flow of air?

• A. epiglottis
• B. bronchioles
• C. epithelium
• D. tongue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The epiglottis is the cartilaginous flap that protects the larynx from water or food while still allowing the flow of air. When we swallow, the epiglottis covers the entrance to the larynx, preventing food or liquid from entering the airway and instead directing them towards the esophagus for digestion. Choice B, bronchioles, are small airway branches within the lungs and are not involved in protecting the larynx from food or water. Choice C, epithelium, refers to the tissue that lines the surfaces of organs and structures in the body, but it is not the specific structure that protects the larynx as described. Choice D, tongue, plays a role in taste, speech, and swallowing, but it is not the cartilaginous flap that protects the larynx.

4. Which hormone plays a key role in stimulating the release of milk from breast tissue after childbirth?

• A. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• B. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• C. Prolactin
• D. Estrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prolactin is the hormone responsible for stimulating the release of milk from breast tissue after childbirth. It is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in lactation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are involved in the menstrual cycle and reproductive processes, not milk production. Estrogen is a female sex hormone with various functions but is not directly involved in milk production.

5. Which vitamin deficiency can lead to a condition called pernicious anemia, affecting vitamin B12 absorption in the digestive system?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Pernicious anemia occurs when there is a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the digestive system. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E deficiencies do not lead to pernicious anemia. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and skin issues, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets or osteomalacia, and Vitamin E deficiency can result in neurological problems and muscle weakness.

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