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. The immune response can be categorized into two main branches:

• A. Humoral and cellular
• B. Innate and adaptive
• C. Primary and secondary
• D. Active and passive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: - The immune response can be broadly categorized into two main branches: the humoral immune response and the cellular immune response. - The humoral immune response involves the production of antibodies by B cells and is primarily responsible for defending against extracellular pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in the bloodstream and tissues. - The cellular immune response involves the activation of T cells, which can directly kill infected cells or help coordinate the immune response. This branch is crucial for combating intracellular pathogens like viruses and some bacteria. - Options B, C, and D do not accurately represent the main branches of the immune response and are therefore incorrect.

3. Which enzyme found in saliva is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into smaller molecules like sugars?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Amylase
• C. Lipase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Saliva contains an enzyme called amylase, which specifically targets carbohydrates and breaks them down into smaller molecules like sugars. Pepsin, choice A, is an enzyme found in the stomach that breaks down proteins, not carbohydrates. Lipase, choice C, is responsible for breaking down fats, not carbohydrates. Trypsin, choice D, is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine, not carbohydrates. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect for this question.

4. What is the process by which cells respond to external stimuli, such as chemicals, temperature, or touch, called?

• A. Signal transduction
• B. Homeostasis
• C. Adaptation
• D. Metabolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Signal transduction is the correct answer. It is the process by which cells respond to external stimuli like chemicals, temperature, or touch. When a cell receives a signal from its environment, it triggers a series of molecular events leading to a specific cellular response. This process involves transmitting signals from the cell surface to the interior, triggering various cellular activities. Homeostasis, on the other hand, refers to an organism's ability to maintain internal stability in response to external changes. Adaptation involves an organism adjusting to its environment over time through genetic changes or behavioral modifications, which is distinct from the process of cells responding to immediate external stimuli. Metabolism, although essential for cellular functions, is not specifically about cells responding to external stimuli but rather the biochemical processes involved in energy production, storage, and utilization within cells.

5. What are stem cells that can develop into many different cell types, but not a complete organism, known as?

• A. Totipotent stem cells
• B. Multipotent stem cells
• C. Pluripotent stem cells
• D. Hematopoietic stem cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pluripotent stem cells are capable of developing into many different cell types, but they cannot form a complete organism. Totipotent stem cells have the ability to give rise to all cell types in an organism, including extraembryonic tissues, enabling them to form a complete organism. Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited range of cell types. Hematopoietic stem cells specifically give rise to blood cells.

Similar Questions