Which of the following structures is responsible for the mechanical and chemical digestion of food, as well as the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The stomach is the organ responsible for the mechanical and chemical digestion of food. When food enters the stomach, it is mixed with stomach acid and enzymes to break down the food into smaller particles. This process helps prepare the food for further digestion and absorption of nutrients. The stomach also plays a key role in the absorption of some nutrients, such as certain vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the stomach's muscular contractions help mix the food with digestive enzymes and propel the partially digested food into the small intestine for further processing and absorption. The liver, pancreas, and large intestine have vital functions in the digestive system, but the stomach is the primary organ responsible for the initial digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When controlling severe external bleeding from an extremity, the recommended action is to apply direct pressure with a sterile dressing. Direct pressure helps to stop the bleeding by promoting clot formation and reducing blood flow from the wound. This method is effective in most cases and should be the first response to control bleeding. Elevating the extremity above the level of the heart can be helpful in some cases, but direct pressure is the initial recommended action. Applying a tourniquet proximal to the injury site should only be done as a last resort when other methods are not successful, as it can lead to complications such as tissue damage. Removing any impaled objects can actually worsen the bleeding and should be avoided unless necessary for immediate life-saving measures.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The recommended position for a conscious patient experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation is the High-Fowler's position. This position involves the patient sitting upright or almost upright at about a 90-degree angle. The High-Fowler's position helps improve ventilation by expanding the lungs and maximizing airflow in and out of the airways. It also reduces the work of breathing in patients with asthma by allowing gravity to assist in moving air in and out of the lungs more easily. Additionally, this position can help alleviate shortness of breath and improve oxygenation in patients experiencing an asthma exacerbation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The appropriate initial management for a conscious patient experiencing a syncopal episode (fainting) is to provide reassurance and assist the patient to a lying position. This is important to ensure adequate blood flow to the brain and to prevent further injury in case the patient faints again. Elevating the legs above the level of the heart is not recommended as a routine intervention for syncope. Administering intravenous fluids rapidly is not usually needed in the initial management of syncope without signs of dehydration or significant bleeding. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula is not necessary for most cases of syncope unless there are specific indications such as signs of respiratory distress.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The clinical presentation of heavy menstrual bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, an enlarged uterus, and irregularly shaped masses palpated on pelvic examination is most indicative of leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids. Leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle tumors that commonly occur in women of reproductive age. They can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency anemia due to their size and location within the uterus. On pelvic examination, leiomyomas can be felt as irregularly shaped masses within the uterine wall. This presentation is classic for leiomyomas and distinguishes them from conditions such as endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, and adenomyosis.