HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam
1. Where is a gallstone most likely to cause pain?
- A. In the upper right quadrant of the abdomen
- B. In the lower right quadrant of the abdomen
- C. In the umbilical region
- D. Along the pelvic girdle
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A gallstone is most likely to cause pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. This specific area corresponds to the location of the gallbladder. When a gallstone blocks the flow of bile from the gallbladder, it can lead to inflammation and pain in this region. The pain may also radiate to the back or right shoulder blade due to referred pain patterns associated with gallbladder issues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because gallstone pain is typically felt in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, not the lower right quadrant, umbilical region, or along the pelvic girdle.
2. What is the primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system?
- A. Regulating blood pressure
- B. Filtering blood to remove waste
- C. Producing red blood cells
- D. Regulating electrolyte balance
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system is to filter blood to remove waste products and excess fluids, which are then excreted as urine. Kidneys act as a filtration system, removing waste like urea, excess salts, and toxins. While the kidneys do play a role in regulating blood pressure by secreting renin and maintaining electrolyte balance by adjusting the levels of sodium, potassium, and other ions in the blood, their main and essential function is filtration and waste removal, making choice B the correct answer.
3. Where is a herniated lumbar disc most likely to cause pain?
- A. Along the radial nerve
- B. Within the spinal cord
- C. Along the sciatic nerve
- D. Along the tibial nerve
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A herniated lumbar disc is most likely to cause pain along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. Compression of the sciatic nerve by a herniated disc can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the leg. This condition is commonly referred to as sciatica. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a herniated lumbar disc typically affects the sciatic nerve, not the radial nerve, spinal cord, or tibial nerve.
4. Which of the heart's four chambers is the largest and the strongest?
- A. Right atrium
- B. Left ventricle
- C. Right ventricle
- D. Left atrium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The left ventricle is the largest and strongest chamber of the heart. It pumps oxygenated blood to the body, making it vital for systemic circulation. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, the right ventricle pumps this blood to the lungs, and the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
5. Which gland is responsible for producing adrenaline?
- A. Thyroid gland
- B. Adrenal gland
- C. Pituitary gland
- D. Pineal gland
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the Adrenal gland. The Adrenal glands, situated on top of the kidneys, are responsible for producing adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares the body for the fight-or-flight response during stress. Choice A, the Thyroid gland, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, not adrenaline. Choice C, the Pituitary gland, regulates many of the body's functions by producing various hormones but is not responsible for adrenaline production. Choice D, the Pineal gland, produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, and is not responsible for adrenaline production.
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