Nursing Elites

1. What is the process of converting ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion, into a less toxic form?

• A. Deamination
• B. Transamination
• C. Decarboxylation
• D. Hydrolysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Deamination is the correct answer. It is the process of removing an amino group from a molecule, like converting ammonia (NH3) into a less toxic form such as urea. Ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion, must be converted into a less toxic form for excretion. Deamination is a crucial step that mainly occurs in the liver through the urea cycle. Transamination involves transferring an amino group from one molecule to another, not removing it as in deamination. Decarboxylation is the removal of a carboxyl group from a molecule, and hydrolysis is the breakdown of a compound by adding water.

2. What are the finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine called?

• A. Crypts of Lieberkühn
• B. Goblet cells
• C. Villi
• D. Paneth cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Crypts of Lieberkühn are small pits in the lining of the small intestine that contain cells involved in the production of intestinal juices, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption. B) Goblet cells are specialized cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining of the digestive tract, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption. C) Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains blood vessels and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that help absorb nutrients from digested food. D) Paneth cells are specialized cells found in the small intestine that secrete antimicrobial substances, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption.

3. The number of protons in an atom determines its:

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Atomic weight
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is known as the atomic number. The atomic number uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. It is a fundamental property of an element and directly influences its chemical behavior and interactions. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, not just protons. Atomic weight is the average mass of an element's isotopes considering their relative abundance, not solely based on the number of protons. Valence electron count refers to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, influencing its ability to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions, but it is not determined by the number of protons in the atom.

4. What is kwashiorkor, a protein deficiency disease, characterized by?

• A. Muscle wasting
• B. Night blindness
• C. Scurvy
• D. Rickets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Kwashiorkor is a severe acute malnutrition condition resulting from insufficient dietary protein intake. It is characterized by symptoms such as edema, skin lesions, an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates, and notably, muscle wasting. Muscle wasting occurs as the body breaks down muscle tissue to obtain essential amino acids for vital functions. Night blindness (option B) is associated with vitamin A deficiency, scurvy (option C) results from a lack of vitamin C, and rickets (option D) is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

5. Which organ produces bile to aid in digestion?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Liver
• C. Gallbladder
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, not bile. The gallbladder stores bile but does not produce it. The stomach produces gastric juices, not bile, to aid in digestion.

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