Nursing Elites

1. What is the purpose of sodium bicarbonate when released into the lumen of the small intestine?

• A. It works to chemically digest fats in the chyme.
• B. It decreases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.
• C. It works to chemically digest proteins in the chyme.
• D. It increases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sodium bicarbonate, when released into the lumen of the small intestine, functions to increase the pH of the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This increase in pH helps neutralize the acidity of the chyme, creating a more optimal environment for the digestive enzymes in the small intestine to function properly. Maintaining a slightly basic pH in the small intestine is crucial for overall digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate does not chemically digest fats or proteins in the chyme, and it does not decrease the pH of the chyme as it actually increases the pH to prevent harm to the intestine.

2. What enzymes do lysosomes contain, leading to their nickname as the cell's 'suicide bags'?

• A. Hydrolytic enzymes
• B. Ligases (bonding enzymes)
• C. Transferases (molecule transfer)
• D. Oxidoreductases (redox reactions)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lysosomes are organelles filled with hydrolytic enzymes that break down proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. These enzymes aid in digesting cellular waste and foreign substances, hence the term 'suicide bags' due to their involvement in cell degradation and recycling. Ligases are enzymes that catalyze the joining of two large molecules by forming a new chemical bond, not present in lysosomes. Transferases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of functional groups from one molecule to another, not found in lysosomes. Oxidoreductases are enzymes involved in oxidation-reduction reactions, which are not the primary function of lysosomes.

3. Which transport mechanism uses vesicles to move materials out of the cell?

• A. Endocytosis
• B. Active transport
• C. Diffusion
• D. Exocytosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Exocytosis is the transport mechanism that uses vesicles to move materials out of the cell. Vesicles carry substances to the cell membrane, fuse with it, and release their contents outside the cell. This process is essential for secreting molecules such as hormones, enzymes, or neurotransmitters. Endocytosis, on the other hand, is the process of bringing materials into the cell by engulfing them in vesicles. Active transport involves the movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy. Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

4. What is the process by which lighter nuclei fuse to form heavier nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy?

• A. Fission
• B. Fusion
• C. Radioactivity
• D. Chain reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fusion is the process by which lighter nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This process is the source of energy in stars, including our Sun. Fission, the process of splitting heavier nuclei into lighter nuclei, is not correct. Radioactivity involves the emission of particles or radiation from the nucleus of an unstable atom, which is different from fusion. A chain reaction is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction cause further reactions, which is unrelated to fusion.

5. Where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur?

• A. Mouth
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine. The small intestine is where the final stages of digestion take place, and it is specialized for absorption with its large surface area and villi that increase nutrient absorption efficiency. The mouth is responsible for mechanical digestion through chewing, the stomach primarily aids in digestion through mixing and breakdown of food, and the large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, with minimal nutrient absorption.

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