Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which bone does not articulate with any other bone?

• A. Femur
• B. Hyoid
• C. Radius
• D. Tibia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hyoid bone. The hyoid bone is distinctive as it does not directly articulate with any other bone in the body. Instead, it is held in place by muscles and ligaments, playing a crucial role in supporting the tongue and providing attachment points for various muscles involved in swallowing and speech. The other choices, Femur, Radius, and Tibia, all articulate with other bones in the body. The femur articulates with the hip bone, the radius articulates with the ulna and other bones in the wrist, and the tibia articulates with the femur and fibula.

3. What is the role of the spleen in the lymphatic system?

• A. To filter blood and remove old red blood cells
• B. To produce lymphocytes
• C. To store vitamins
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The spleen plays a crucial role in the lymphatic system by filtering blood, specifically removing old or damaged red blood cells. Additionally, the spleen produces lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response by helping to fight off infections. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as the spleen is primarily involved in blood filtration and the production of lymphocytes rather than storing vitamins or regulating body temperature.

4. What role does the liver play in metabolism?

• A. To produce bile
• B. To detoxify harmful substances
• C. To store glucose
• D. To produce insulin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To detoxify harmful substances.' The liver is primarily responsible for detoxifying harmful substances present in the blood as part of its role in metabolism. While the liver does produce bile to aid in digestion and stores glucose for energy regulation, its main function in metabolism is detoxification. The liver does not produce insulin; insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels.

5. Which structure of the respiratory system is involved in gas exchange?

• A. Trachea
• B. Bronchioles
• C. Alveoli
• D. Larynx

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The alveoli are the primary site for gas exchange in the respiratory system. These tiny air sacs in the lungs are where oxygen is taken up into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is released from the bloodstream into the lungs to be exhaled. The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that carries air to and from the lungs but is not directly involved in gas exchange. Bronchioles (Choice B) are smaller airway branches that lead to the alveoli but do not participate in gas exchange themselves. The larynx (Choice D) plays a role in producing sound and protecting the airway but is not primarily responsible for gas exchange.

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