Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An
Orientation.
1)
Mapping: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Form (anatomy) determines function
(physiology) — Key Concept: Structure determines function.
Stem: A nurse explains to a patient why alveoli are thin-walled.
Which best states the anatomical reason?
A. Thin walls increase surface area for sensory reception.
B. Thin walls minimize diffusion distance for gas exchange.
C. Thin walls resist pressure during breathing.
D. Thin walls prevent infection penetration.
Correct answer: B
Rationale (correct): Thin alveolar walls reduce diffusion
distance, facilitating rapid O₂ and CO₂ exchange — a classic
example of structure enabling function (Ch. 1, 1.1). Pearson
Why A is wrong: Sensory reception isn't the alveoli’s purpose;
surface area increase is for gas exchange, not sensation.
Why C is wrong: Thicker, not thinner, walls would resist
pressure; thin walls are compliant.
Why D is wrong: Thin walls do not prevent infection and may
actually make alveoli vulnerable.
,Teaching Point: Tissue structure is optimized to support its
physiological role.
2)
Mapping: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Topics of Anatomy — Key Concept:
Gross vs microscopic anatomy.
Stem: Which method best demonstrates microscopic anatomy
of cardiac tissue?
A. Inspection of a living patient.
B. Dissection of the heart.
C. Histologic slide viewed under a microscope.
D. Palpation of chest wall.
Correct answer: C
Rationale (correct): Histology (microscopic anatomy) uses
stained slides and microscopy to view cells and tissues, e.g.,
myocardium structure (Ch. 1, Topics of Anatomy). Pearson
Why A is wrong: Inspection is gross examination, not
microscopic.
Why B is wrong: Dissection is gross anatomy; it reveals organ-
level structures.
Why D is wrong: Palpation is a gross physical exam technique,
not microscopic.
Teaching Point: Use microscopy for cellular and tissue-level
anatomy.
, 3)
Mapping: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Studying Anatomy — Key Concept:
Regional vs systemic approaches.
Stem: A nursing student studying the "regional" approach
should organize learning by:
A. Each organ system (e.g., cardiovascular).
B. Each body region (e.g., thorax) and all tissues within it.
C. Cellular processes common to all tissues.
D. Embryologic development sequences.
Correct answer: B
Rationale (correct): Regional anatomy studies all structures
within a body region (e.g., bones, vessels, nerves of thorax),
contrasting with systemic approaches (Ch. 1, Studying
Anatomy). Pearson
Why A is wrong: That's the systemic approach.
Why C is wrong: Cellular processes are part of physiology or
microscopic anatomy, not regional approach.
Why D is wrong: Embryology studies development, distinct
from regional anatomy.
Teaching Point: Regional anatomy groups structures by location
for integrated understanding.
4)
Mapping: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Topics of Physiology — Key Concept:
Physiology emphasizes mechanisms.