Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following describes the muscular organ that processes food material into increasingly smaller pieces, mixes it with saliva to create a bolus, and creates a barrier to transport food into the esophagus?

• A. pharynx
• B. tongue
• C. diaphragm
• D. stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The tongue is the muscular organ responsible for manipulating food material in the mouth, breaking it down into smaller pieces, and mixing it with saliva to form a bolus. It also plays a crucial role in pushing the food bolus towards the back of the mouth to facilitate swallowing and transport the food into the esophagus. The pharynx is involved in swallowing and directing food to the esophagus after it passes the mouth. The diaphragm is a muscle involved in the breathing process, not food processing. The stomach is an organ responsible for further digestion of food after it passes through the esophagus.

2. Which state of matter has a definite shape and volume but can flow?

• A. Solid
• B. Liquid
• C. Gas
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A liquid is the state of matter that has a definite volume but can flow and take the shape of its container. Solids have a definite shape and volume but do not flow as liquids do. Gases do not have a definite shape or volume but can flow to fill their container. Plasma is a state of matter where the particles are highly energized and do not have a definite shape or volume, thus not fitting the description of having a definite shape and volume while being able to flow.

3. What is the main target organ for insulin, the hormone produced by the pancreas?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Muscles
• D. Brain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main target organ for insulin is muscles. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating glucose metabolism by promoting the uptake of glucose into muscle cells. This glucose can then be utilized for energy production or stored for later use. Therefore, muscles are the primary site where insulin exerts its effects on glucose uptake and utilization. The liver primarily responds to insulin by regulating glucose storage and release, but the main target for insulin-mediated glucose uptake is muscles. Kidneys are not a target organ for insulin action in glucose metabolism. The brain does not heavily rely on insulin for glucose uptake as it primarily uses glucose independently of insulin for energy production.

4. What is the role of the pancreas in the digestive system?

• A. To store bile
• B. To secrete digestive enzymes
• C. To digest proteins
• D. To absorb nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To secrete digestive enzymes.' The pancreas plays a crucial role in the digestive system by secreting digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, facilitating the absorption of nutrients from the digested food. Choice A is incorrect because the pancreas is not responsible for storing bile; the gallbladder stores bile. Choice C is incorrect because the pancreas secretes enzymes for protein digestion but does not digest proteins itself. Choice D is incorrect as the absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine, not in the pancreas.

5. Which division of the nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body to respond to stressful situations?

• A. Somatic nervous system
• B. Autonomic nervous system
• C. Peripheral nervous system
• D. Central nervous system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The autonomic nervous system is correctly identified as the division responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which readies the body to react to stressful situations. This system regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, pupil dilation, and adrenaline release during stress. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and skeletal muscle activity, not the automatic responses seen in the 'fight or flight' reaction. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the body's organs and limbs, facilitating communication, while the central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord, serves as the primary control center of the body, integrating and processing information.

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