Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An
Orientation.
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Topics of Anatomy — Key
Concept: Complementarity of structure & function
Stem: A nurse observes that a patient’s thin, flat scapula allows
wide shoulder movement. This observation demonstrates
which basic A&P principle? (≤50 words)
A. Anatomical variation
B. Complementarity of structure and function
C. Pathologic adaptation
D. Physiologic redundancy
Correct answer: B
Rationale (correct): The example links a structural feature (flat
scapula) with its functional outcome (wide shoulder
movement), which is the textbook definition of
complementarity of structure and function. (Marieb Ch.1, 1.1
Topics of Anatomy/Complementarity).
Distractor explanations:
A. Anatomical variation refers to normal differences between
individuals, not the structure–function relationship.
C. Pathologic adaptation implies disease-driven change; the
scapula example is normal anatomy.
,D. Physiologic redundancy refers to backup systems (e.g., kidney
reserve), not structural design for motion.
Teaching point: Structure predicts how a body part performs its
role.
2)
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Studying Anatomy — Key
Concept: Methods of anatomy (inspection, palpation,
auscultation)
Stem: During a bedside assessment a nurse palpates the radial
pulse. Which anatomical study method is she using?
A. Auscultation
B. Palpation
C. Dissection
D. Cadaveric study
Correct answer: B
Rationale (correct): Palpation is the technique of feeling
structures with hands (e.g., pulse), a core clinical anatomy
method cited in Marieb (Ch.1, Studying Anatomy). This skill is
fundamental for nursing assessment.
Distractor explanations:
A. Auscultation uses a stethoscope to listen, not touch.
C. Dissection is laboratory cutting apart of structures, not a
bedside technique.
, D. Cadaveric study is an educational method, not a clinical
bedside technique.
Teaching point: Palpation is a primary bedside method to
assess anatomy.
3)
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Topics of Physiology — Key
Concept: Levels of function (cellular → organ systems)
Stem: A nurse explains that hormone release influences whole-
body metabolism. Which level of physiology links cellular
activity to whole-body function?
A. Organ system physiology
B. Tissue physiology only
C. Subatomic physiology
D. Cosmetic physiology
Correct answer: A
Rationale (correct): Organ system physiology studies how
organs and systems (e.g., endocrine) produce integrated
functions like metabolism; nursing care monitors these systemic
changes (Marieb Ch.1, Topics of Physiology).
Distractor explanations:
B. Tissue physiology is narrower and does not alone explain
whole-body hormonal effects.
C. Subatomic physiology is not a standard physiological level for