Where is a herniated lumbar disc most likely to cause pain?

Questions 31

HESI A2

HESI A2 Test Bank

Anatomy HESI A2 Questions

Question 1 of 9

Where is a herniated lumbar disc most likely to cause pain?

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.

Question 2 of 9

The cheekbones are positioned ___________ to the nose.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The term 'lateral' refers to the direction away from the midline of the body. In this case, the cheekbones are situated to the sides of the nose, making them lateral to the nose. Therefore, 'lateral' correctly describes the position of the cheekbones in relation to the nose. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A. 'Anterior' means situated at or towards the front, which is not the correct description of the cheekbones in relation to the nose. B. 'Proximal' means situated nearer to the center of the body, which is not the correct description of the cheekbones' position in relation to the nose. C. 'Deep' refers to being situated further away from the surface, which is not the appropriate term to describe the cheekbones' position in relation to the nose.

Question 3 of 9

Which organ system is primarily responsible for generating antibodies?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The lymphatic system. Antibodies are produced by specialized white blood cells called B-lymphocytes (or B cells) in response to foreign substances known as antigens. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, tonsils, thymus, and spleen, which work together to produce and store antibodies to help the body fight off infections and diseases. Choice A, the endocrine system, is incorrect because it is responsible for hormone regulation, not antibody production. Choice B, the digestive system, is incorrect because its main function is to break down food and absorb nutrients, not produce antibodies. Choice D, the nervous system, is incorrect as it is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body and coordinating body functions, not generating antibodies.

Question 4 of 9

Which hormone stimulates milk production in the breasts during lactation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During lactation, the hormone responsible for stimulating milk production in the breasts is 'prolactin.' Prolactin plays a crucial role in initiating and maintaining lactation by promoting the development of alveoli in the mammary glands and stimulating milk synthesis. While oxytocin is involved in the ejection of milk from the breasts, it is prolactin that primarily governs milk production. Norepinephrine is not directly involved in milk production, and antidiuretic hormone primarily regulates water balance and blood pressure, not milk production.

Question 5 of 9

Where is a herniated lumbar disc most likely to cause pain?

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.

Question 6 of 9

How is pepsin utilized by the body?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pepsin is an enzyme produced in the stomach that is essential for breaking down proteins during digestion. It functions by breaking down large protein molecules into smaller peptides, which are further broken down into amino acids for absorption in the intestines. Therefore, option A, 'To break down proteins,' is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the specific function of pepsin in the body.

Question 7 of 9

How might vitamin D deficiency present?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin D deficiency can present as crooked bones in children due to a condition called rickets. This is because vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can lead to soft and weak bones, resulting in skeletal deformities such as bow legs or knock knees. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as bleeding gums are more commonly associated with vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), swollen extremities could be a sign of various conditions like edema, and red patches are not typically a direct manifestation of vitamin D deficiency.

Question 8 of 9

To which system do the ovaries belong?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: reproductive system. The ovaries are essential organs of the female reproductive system. They play a vital role in producing eggs and secreting hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The skeletal system (choice A) consists of bones and tissues that support the body, the nervous system (choice B) controls body functions and responses, and the lymphatic system (choice C) helps the body fight off infections. Therefore, the ovaries belong to the reproductive system.

Question 9 of 9

What is the function of parathyroid hormone?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Parathyroid hormone plays a crucial role in activating vitamin D. This activation occurs in the kidneys, where parathyroid hormone stimulates the conversion of inactive vitamin D to its active form. Active vitamin D is essential for maintaining proper levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which are important for bone health and other physiological functions. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because parathyroid hormone is not involved in increasing energy levels, stimulating cell reproduction, or speeding up metabolism. Its primary function is related to calcium and phosphorus homeostasis through the activation of vitamin D.

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