Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of dietary fiber in the digestive system?

• A. To provide energy
• B. To break down fats
• C. To promote gut bacteria growth
• D. To aid in absorption of nutrients

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dietary fiber refers to the indigestible portion of plant foods that passes relatively intact through the digestive system. While fiber does not directly provide energy to the body, it plays a crucial role in promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria help in the fermentation of fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that can be used as an energy source by the body. Additionally, fiber aids in regulating bowel movements, maintaining gut health, and supporting overall digestive function. The functions described in the incorrect choices do not align with the primary role of dietary fiber in the digestive system. Choice A is incorrect because fiber itself is not a direct energy source. Choice B is incorrect as fiber does not break down fats. Choice D is incorrect because while fiber affects nutrient absorption indirectly by supporting gut health, its primary role is not to aid in the absorption of nutrients.

2. Which valve prevents blood from entering the left atrium when the ventricles contract?

• A. Pulmonary valve
• B. Tricuspid valve
• C. Mitral valve
• D. Aortic valve

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve. The mitral valve prevents blood from flowing back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle, the pulmonary valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, and the aortic valve is situated between the left ventricle and the aorta. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not related to preventing blood from entering the left atrium during ventricular contraction.

3. Which part of the brain is responsible for processing vision?

• A. Occipital lobe
• B. Frontal lobe
• C. Temporal lobe
• D. Parietal lobe

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The occipital lobe is the part of the brain responsible for processing visual information. Located at the back of the brain, the occipital lobe contains the primary visual cortex, which plays a crucial role in interpreting visual stimuli received from the eyes. The frontal lobe is primarily involved in higher cognitive functions, decision-making, and motor control, not vision processing. The temporal lobe is responsible for auditory processing, memory, and emotion, not vision. The parietal lobe is involved in sensory integration, spatial awareness, and perception of stimuli, but not specifically for visual processing.

4. The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear

• A. Pink
• B. Blue
• C. Red
• D. Purple

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.

5. Which property of a substance refers to its ability to be stretched into thin wires?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ductility is the property of a substance that allows it to be stretched into thin wires without breaking. It is a crucial property for materials used in wire production. Conductivity refers to the ability of a substance to conduct electricity or heat, not to be stretched into wires. Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, not its ability to be stretched. Malleability is the property of a substance that allows it to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, not stretched into wires.

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