Nursing Elites

1. Which of these is NOT a function of the large intestine?

• A. Absorbing water and electrolytes
• B. Producing vitamins
• C. Breaking down fiber
• D. Eliminating waste products

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Absorbing water and electrolytes: The large intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing water and electrolytes from the indigestible food matter that passes through it. This helps in maintaining the body's fluid balance and preventing dehydration. B) Producing vitamins: While the large intestine contains bacteria that can produce some vitamins like vitamin K and certain B vitamins, the primary site for vitamin production is the small intestine and other organs like the liver. Therefore, producing vitamins is not a primary function of the large intestine. C) Breaking down fiber: The large intestine is responsible for breaking down fiber that was not digested in the small intestine. The bacteria in the large intestine ferment fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that can be used as an energy source by the body. D) Eliminating waste products: One of the main functions of the large intestine is to eliminate waste products, including indigestible food matter, dead cells, and bacteria, from the body in the form of feces. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as producing vitamins is not a primary function of the large intestine.

2. Which structure is the largest part of the airway?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the trachea. The trachea is the largest part of the airway and serves as the main passageway for air to enter and exit the lungs. It connects the larynx to the bronchi and is an essential component of the respiratory system. The alveoli, although crucial for gas exchange, are tiny air sacs in the lungs and not the largest part of the airway. Bronchi and bronchioles are smaller airway passages that branch off from the trachea, making them smaller in size compared to the trachea.

3. Which of the following conditions is characterized by a wasting or decrease in muscle mass?

• A. Hypertrophy
• B. Atrophy
• C. Spasticity
• D. Myopathy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atrophy is the correct answer as it is characterized by a wasting or decrease in muscle mass. Hypertrophy, on the other hand, refers to an increase in muscle size. Spasticity is associated with increased muscle tone due to continuous contraction of muscles. Myopathy, on the other hand, is a broad term used to describe various muscle diseases affecting muscle tissue, which may or may not involve muscle wasting.

4. What type of bond links amino acids together to form proteins?

• A. Hydrogen bond
• B. Ionic bond
• C. Disulfide bond
• D. Covalent bond

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Amino acids are linked together by covalent bonds to form proteins. Specifically, the bond that links amino acids together is called a peptide bond, which is a type of covalent bond. The peptide bond forms between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid, resulting in the formation of a peptide chain. While hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and disulfide bonds are important for protein structure and stability, the primary bond responsible for linking amino acids in a protein chain is the covalent peptide bond. Hydrogen bonds are involved in maintaining the secondary structure of proteins, such as alpha helices and beta sheets. Ionic bonds and disulfide bonds contribute to tertiary and quaternary structures of proteins by stabilizing interactions between different parts of the protein or between different protein subunits, respectively.

5. What term refers to the mechanical act of breathing?

• A. Diffusion
• B. Perfusion
• C. Respiration
• D. Ventilation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ventilation is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the mechanical process of breathing air in and out of the lungs. Diffusion (choice A) is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration, not related to the mechanical act of breathing. Perfusion (choice B) is the process of blood flow through the tissues and organs, not directly related to breathing mechanically. Respiration (choice C) involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the cellular level, different from the mechanical act of breathing.

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