Nursing Elites

1. Where does most of the chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients occur?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for both chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. The lining of the small intestine is equipped with villi and microvilli, which significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver play crucial roles in further breaking down food into absorbable molecules that can pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. While the stomach assists in mechanical breakdown and initial protein digestion, it is not the main site of nutrient absorption. The large intestine, on the other hand, mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food particles. The mouth aids in initial mechanical breakdown and some carbohydrate digestion, but the majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, making it the correct answer.

2. Which of the following is an example of a zoonotic disease?

• A. The common cold
• B. Influenza (the flu)
• C. Malaria
• D. HIV/AIDS

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Influenza is an example of a zoonotic disease as it can be transmitted from animals such as birds and pigs to humans. The common cold (option A) is caused by human rhinoviruses and is not considered a zoonotic disease. Malaria (option C) is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and is not considered a zoonotic disease. HIV/AIDS (option D) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus and is not considered a zoonotic disease.

3. Which structure of the nervous system carries an action potential in the direction of a synapse?

• A. Cell body
• B. Axon
• C. Neuron
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the axon. The axon is the elongated, threadlike part of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons or target cells, such as muscles or glands, in the direction of a synapse. Action potentials travel along the axon as electrical signals to communicate with neighboring cells. The cell body (choice A) contains the nucleus and organelles but does not transmit action potentials. Neuron (choice C) is a broad term that includes the entire nerve cell, not a specific structure. Myelin (choice D) is a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, aiding in the conduction of nerve impulses, but it does not directly carry the action potential towards a synapse.

4. Which structure in the skin is responsible for producing melanin?

• A. Sudoriferous gland
• B. Melanocyte
• C. Sebaceous gland
• D. Hair follicle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Melanocyte. Melanocytes in the skin are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and provides protection against harmful UV radiation. Sudoriferous glands produce sweat, sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil), and hair follicles are associated with hair growth. However, the specific function of producing melanin is attributed to melanocytes, making them the correct answer in this context.

5. What is the function of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart?

• A. To generate electrical impulses for heart contraction
• B. To transport blood throughout the body
• C. To provide lubrication for heart movement
• D. To protect the heart and anchor it in place

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The pericardium is a double-walled sac that surrounds the heart and contains a small amount of fluid to provide lubrication for the movement of the heart within the chest cavity. It helps reduce friction as the heart beats and moves. Choice A is incorrect because the generation of electrical impulses for heart contraction is primarily the function of the heart's specialized conduction system. Choice B is incorrect as the pericardium is not involved in the transportation of blood throughout the body. Choice D is also incorrect as while the pericardium does protect the heart, its primary function is to provide lubrication and reduce friction.

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