,Comprehensive Test Bank for Marieb Human Anatomy &
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An
Orientation.
1. Chapter 1 – 1.1 Topics of Anatomy / Complementarity of
Structure & Function (Key concept: structure dictates
function)
Stem: A nurse explains to a patient why alveoli are thin-
walled and highly vascularized. Which statement best
matches complementarity of structure and function?
A. Thin walls and many capillaries maximize gas exchange.
B. Thick walls protect alveoli from collapse.
C. Reduced blood flow conserves oxygen for tissues.
D. Rigid alveoli improve mechanical ventilation.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Thin alveolar walls plus dense capillary
networks shorten diffusion distance, maximizing O₂/CO₂
exchange (Chapter 1, 1.1 Complementarity).
Rationale (incorrect): B — thick walls would impede
diffusion. C — alveoli need high blood flow for exchange. D
— rigid alveoli would impair ventilation.
Teaching point: Structural adaptations enable efficient
physiological gas exchange.
,2. Chapter 1 – 1.1 Studying Anatomy (Key concept: levels of
structural organization)
Stem: Which study focus best represents gross
(macroscopic) anatomy relevant to a nurse performing
chest auscultation?
A. Examining the branching patterns of bronchi visible
without microscope.
B. Identifying alveolar type II cell ultrastructure.
C. Analyzing mitochondrial density in cardiomyocytes.
D. Measuring ionic gradients across neuronal membranes.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Gross anatomy studies structures
visible to the naked eye—e.g., bronchial tree—relevant to
auscultation and breath sounds (Chapter 1, Studying
Anatomy).
Rationale (incorrect): B, C, D are microscopic/cellular
physiology topics, not gross anatomy.
Teaching point: Gross anatomy informs bedside
assessments like auscultation.
3. Chapter 1 – 1.1 Topics of Physiology (Key concept: organ
system function and regulation)
Stem: A nursing student asks which physiology topic most
directly relates to monitoring arterial blood pressure.
Choose best answer.
A. Cardiovascular system regulation by baroreceptors.
B. Cellular transcription factors in neutrophils.
C. Bone remodeling cycles.
, D. Digestive enzyme activation in the stomach.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Baroreceptor-mediated cardiovascular
regulation controls short-term blood pressure—key for
nursing monitoring and interventions (Chapter 1, Topics of
Physiology).
Rationale (incorrect): B, C, D involve different physiological
systems less relevant to immediate BP control.
Teaching point: Physiologic control mechanisms explain
clinical vital sign changes.
4. Chapter 1 – 1.1 Complementarity of Structure & Function
(Key concept: clinical implications)
Stem: An immobile patient develops pressure ulcers.
Which structural–functional relationship led to tissue
breakdown?
A. Compressed capillaries reduce perfusion and oxygen
delivery to skin.
B. Increased epidermal thickness improves oxygen
diffusion.
C. Elevated bone density reduces skin friction.
D. Enhanced lymph flow causes tissue ischemia.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Prolonged pressure compresses
capillaries, lowering tissue perfusion → ischemia and
ulceration (Chapter 1, Complementarity).
Rationale (incorrect): B — thicker epidermis would not
improve diffusion. C — bone density unrelated. D —
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An
Orientation.
1. Chapter 1 – 1.1 Topics of Anatomy / Complementarity of
Structure & Function (Key concept: structure dictates
function)
Stem: A nurse explains to a patient why alveoli are thin-
walled and highly vascularized. Which statement best
matches complementarity of structure and function?
A. Thin walls and many capillaries maximize gas exchange.
B. Thick walls protect alveoli from collapse.
C. Reduced blood flow conserves oxygen for tissues.
D. Rigid alveoli improve mechanical ventilation.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Thin alveolar walls plus dense capillary
networks shorten diffusion distance, maximizing O₂/CO₂
exchange (Chapter 1, 1.1 Complementarity).
Rationale (incorrect): B — thick walls would impede
diffusion. C — alveoli need high blood flow for exchange. D
— rigid alveoli would impair ventilation.
Teaching point: Structural adaptations enable efficient
physiological gas exchange.
,2. Chapter 1 – 1.1 Studying Anatomy (Key concept: levels of
structural organization)
Stem: Which study focus best represents gross
(macroscopic) anatomy relevant to a nurse performing
chest auscultation?
A. Examining the branching patterns of bronchi visible
without microscope.
B. Identifying alveolar type II cell ultrastructure.
C. Analyzing mitochondrial density in cardiomyocytes.
D. Measuring ionic gradients across neuronal membranes.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Gross anatomy studies structures
visible to the naked eye—e.g., bronchial tree—relevant to
auscultation and breath sounds (Chapter 1, Studying
Anatomy).
Rationale (incorrect): B, C, D are microscopic/cellular
physiology topics, not gross anatomy.
Teaching point: Gross anatomy informs bedside
assessments like auscultation.
3. Chapter 1 – 1.1 Topics of Physiology (Key concept: organ
system function and regulation)
Stem: A nursing student asks which physiology topic most
directly relates to monitoring arterial blood pressure.
Choose best answer.
A. Cardiovascular system regulation by baroreceptors.
B. Cellular transcription factors in neutrophils.
C. Bone remodeling cycles.
, D. Digestive enzyme activation in the stomach.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Baroreceptor-mediated cardiovascular
regulation controls short-term blood pressure—key for
nursing monitoring and interventions (Chapter 1, Topics of
Physiology).
Rationale (incorrect): B, C, D involve different physiological
systems less relevant to immediate BP control.
Teaching point: Physiologic control mechanisms explain
clinical vital sign changes.
4. Chapter 1 – 1.1 Complementarity of Structure & Function
(Key concept: clinical implications)
Stem: An immobile patient develops pressure ulcers.
Which structural–functional relationship led to tissue
breakdown?
A. Compressed capillaries reduce perfusion and oxygen
delivery to skin.
B. Increased epidermal thickness improves oxygen
diffusion.
C. Elevated bone density reduces skin friction.
D. Enhanced lymph flow causes tissue ischemia.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Prolonged pressure compresses
capillaries, lowering tissue perfusion → ischemia and
ulceration (Chapter 1, Complementarity).
Rationale (incorrect): B — thicker epidermis would not
improve diffusion. C — bone density unrelated. D —
