Nursing Elites

1. What is the technical term for the involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract?

• A. Segmentation
• B. Peristalsis
• C. Chylification
• D. Emulsification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peristalsis is the term used to describe the involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract. This process involves rhythmic contractions and relaxations of the muscles in the digestive system, which help propel food from the esophagus to the stomach and through the intestines for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Segmentation refers to the mixing movements in the intestines that aid in the absorption of nutrients but is not the term for the movement of food through the digestive tract. Chylification is not a recognized term in digestive physiology. Emulsification is the process of breaking down fat globules into smaller droplets to aid in digestion, not the movement of food through the digestive tract.

2. In a single displacement reaction, one element takes the place of another element in a compound. Which of the following is an example?

• A. 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O
• B. Zn + 2HCl -> ZnCl2 + H2
• C. CaCO3 -> CaO + CO2
• D. CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B demonstrates a single displacement reaction where zinc (Zn) displaces hydrogen (H) in hydrochloric acid (HCl) to produce zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2). This reaction exemplifies the concept of one element (Zn) replacing another element (H) in a compound (HCl), which is characteristic of single displacement reactions. Choices A, C, and D do not involve a single element displacing another in a compound, making them incorrect. In choice A, hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water, which is not a single displacement reaction. In choice C, calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide, not involving displacement of elements. In choice D, methane reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water, which is a combustion reaction, not a single displacement reaction.

3. Which of the following antibodies can cross the placenta?

• A. IgA
• B. IgD
• C. IgG
• D. IgM

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is IgG. IgG is the only antibody that can cross the placenta, providing passive immunity to the developing fetus. IgA, IgD, and IgM do not cross the placenta. IgA is mainly found in mucosal secretions, IgD is involved in the activation of B cells, and IgM is the first antibody produced in response to an infection, but it does not cross the placental barrier.

4. Which structure in the digestive system absorbs the most nutrients?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site where the absorption of nutrients from digested food occurs. Its large surface area, specialized cells, and villi play key roles in maximizing nutrient absorption, making it the structure in the digestive system that absorbs the most nutrients. The stomach's main function is to break down food with acid and enzymes, not absorb nutrients. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, not nutrients. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat with the stomach and does not play a role in nutrient absorption.

5. What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?

• A. Packaging DNA
• B. Replicating DNA
• C. Transcribing DNA
• D. Translating mRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Replicating DNA. DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during DNA replication. It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand based on the template provided by the existing DNA strand. This process ensures that genetic information is accurately copied and passed on to daughter cells during cell division. Option A, Packaging DNA, refers to the coiling and organization of DNA into chromatin, a process involving histones and other proteins. Option C, Transcribing DNA, involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, a process carried out by RNA polymerase. Option D, Translating mRNA, refers to the process of protein synthesis where the information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

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