Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary role of the large intestine?

• A. To absorb nutrients
• B. To absorb water
• C. To break down food
• D. To secrete digestive enzymes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To absorb water. The primary role of the large intestine is to absorb water from indigestible food matter. This absorption process helps in forming solid waste for excretion. Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the large intestine. Breaking down food and secreting digestive enzymes are functions primarily associated with the stomach and small intestine.

2. Beriberi is a disease caused by a lack of ___________.

• A. thiamine
• B. vitamin C
• C. niacin
• D. protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. Thiamine is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and energy metabolism in the body. Without enough thiamine, individuals may develop symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, nerve damage, and heart problems, which are characteristic of beriberi. Vitamin C (choice B), niacin (choice C), and protein (choice D) deficiencies can cause other health issues but are not directly related to beriberi.

3. What is the main component of the cell membrane?

• A. Proteins
• B. Carbohydrates
• C. Lipids
• D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main component of the cell membrane is the phospholipid bilayer, which is primarily composed of lipids. Lipids form a barrier that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment, providing structural integrity and regulating the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Proteins are also essential components of the cell membrane, serving various functions such as transport, signaling, and cell recognition. Carbohydrates are present in the form of glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell membrane surface, contributing to cell-cell recognition. Nucleic acids are not a primary component of the cell membrane.

4. Where is a herniated lumbar disc most likely to cause pain?

• A. Along the radial nerve
• B. Within the spinal cord
• C. Along the sciatic nerve
• D. Along the tibial nerve

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A herniated lumbar disc is most likely to cause pain along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. Compression of the sciatic nerve by a herniated disc can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the leg. This condition is commonly referred to as sciatica. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a herniated lumbar disc typically affects the sciatic nerve, not the radial nerve, spinal cord, or tibial nerve.

5. What is the primary function of the small intestine in digestion?

• A. Breaking down fats
• B. Absorbing nutrients
• C. Secreting digestive enzymes
• D. Storing bile

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absorbing nutrients. The small intestine plays a crucial role in digestion by absorbing nutrients. It is where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs, allowing digested food to pass into the bloodstream for distribution to the body's cells. Choice A (Breaking down fats) is incorrect because the breakdown of fats primarily occurs in the small intestine with the help of bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas. Choice C (Secreting digestive enzymes) is incorrect because while the small intestine does produce some digestive enzymes, its primary role is absorption. Choice D (Storing bile) is incorrect as the storage of bile occurs in the gallbladder, not the small intestine.

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