NSG 6020 WEEK 6 KNOWLEDGE CHECK
2026/2027 | NURSING QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
NSG 6020 WEEK 6 KNOWLEDGE CHECK STUDY GUIDE
Nursing Examination - 2026/2027
• Comprehensive assessment tool featuring 200 evidence-based questions
spanning lymphatic system physiology, cardiovascular assessment techniques, and
peripheral vascular system pathology to reinforce clinical competency
• Active learning approach structured with progressive difficulty levels—use each
topic section for focused study, self-testing, and identifying knowledge gaps before
high-stakes clinical examinations
SECTION 1: LYMPHATIC SYSTEM (Questions 1-65)
1. Which of the following best describes the primary function of the lymphatic
system?
A) To pump blood throughout the body
B) To maintain fluid balance and support immune function
C) To produce red blood cells continuously
D) To regulate body temperature exclusively
E) To break down dietary fats in the small intestine
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To maintain fluid balance and support immune function
RATIONALE: The lymphatic system has two primary functions: (1) maintaining fluid
homeostasis by collecting interstitial fluid that leaks from capillaries and returning it
to the bloodstream, and (2) providing immune surveillance through lymphocytes
and immune cells. The lymphatic system drains approximately 3 liters of fluid daily
back into circulation. While the lymphatic system does assist with fat absorption in
the small intestine via lacteals, this is not its primary function. Temperature
,regulation is primarily managed by the integumentary and nervous systems, and
blood pumping is the heart's responsibility.
2. Which vessels form the lymphatic capillaries and collect interstitial fluid
from tissues?
A) Arterioles and venules
B) Lymphatic capillaries lined with endothelial cells
C) Arteries and veins
D) Capillary beds exclusively
E) Lymph nodes directly
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Lymphatic capillaries lined with endothelial cells
RATIONALE: Lymphatic capillaries are microscopic, closed-ended vessels
composed of a single layer of endothelial cells with overlapping edges that allow
interstitial fluid to enter easily. These capillaries form extensive networks in tissue
spaces and are slightly larger than blood capillaries. They lack the tight junctions of
blood capillaries, allowing fluid and small particles to enter. Once fluid enters the
lymphatic capillaries, it is called lymph. These capillaries converge to form larger
lymphatic vessels that eventually drain into major ducts.
3. What is the composition of lymph in comparison to blood plasma?
A) Lymph contains more red blood cells than plasma
B) Lymph contains more protein than plasma
C) Lymph is similar to plasma but with fewer proteins and formed elements
D) Lymph contains more platelets than plasma
E) Lymph and plasma have identical compositions
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Lymph is similar to plasma but with fewer proteins and
formed elements
,RATIONALE: Lymph is essentially tissue fluid that has entered the lymphatic
system. It contains water, electrolytes, some glucose, and some protein
(approximately 2-3g/dL compared to 7g/dL in plasma), but lacks red blood cells,
platelets, and most clotting factors. Lymph does contain white blood cells,
particularly lymphocytes produced in lymphoid tissues. The lower protein content
is because most plasma proteins are too large to filter out of blood capillaries into
interstitial spaces, though some smaller proteins and albumin do enter tissue fluid.
4. Which of the following is the major site of T lymphocyte maturation?
A) Bone marrow
B) The thymus gland
C) The spleen
D) Lymph nodes
E) Peyer's patches
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The thymus gland
RATIONALE: The thymus gland, located in the anterior mediastinum, is the primary
lymphoid organ where T lymphocytes (thymus-derived cells) mature and
differentiate. T cells originate from bone marrow stem cells but migrate to the
thymus where they undergo positive and negative selection to develop into
functional T cells. The thymus is most active in childhood and involutes with age.
The bone marrow is where hematopoietic stem cells originate for all lymphocytes.
Lymph nodes, spleen, and Peyer's patches are secondary lymphoid organs where
immune responses occur.
5. What is the function of lymph nodes in the immune response?
A) They produce all lymphocytes in the body
B) They filter lymph and mount immune responses to pathogens
C) They pump lymph through the lymphatic vessels
, D) They produce plasma proteins
E) They store red blood cells for emergencies
CORRECT ANSWER: B) They filter lymph and mount immune responses to
pathogens
RATIONALE: Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures positioned along lymphatic
vessels that serve to filter lymph and initiate immune responses. As lymph passes
through a node, pathogens and antigens are trapped and presented to B
lymphocytes (in germinal centers) and T lymphocytes (in paracortical areas),
triggering adaptive immune responses. Lymph nodes contain specialized cells
including macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes. While bone marrow is the
primary site of B lymphocyte production and thymus for T lymphocytes, lymph
nodes do retain and expand lymphocytes locally. Nodes do not pump lymph or
produce plasma proteins.
6. Which duct drains lymph from the right upper extremity, right thorax, and
right head and neck?
A) The thoracic duct
B) The right lymphatic duct
C) The cisterna chyli
D) The subclavian duct
E) The azygos duct
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The right lymphatic duct
RATIONALE: The right lymphatic duct (approximately 1.25 cm long) drains lymph
from the right upper extremity, right side of the thorax, and right head and neck
region. It terminates in the right subclavian vein near the junction with the internal
jugular vein. The thoracic duct drains lymph from the remainder of the body (left
upper extremity, entire lower body, and left thorax/head/neck) and is considerably
larger. The cisterna chyli is the origin point of the thoracic duct. This dual-duct
arrangement ensures efficient lymphatic drainage from all body regions.
2026/2027 | NURSING QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
NSG 6020 WEEK 6 KNOWLEDGE CHECK STUDY GUIDE
Nursing Examination - 2026/2027
• Comprehensive assessment tool featuring 200 evidence-based questions
spanning lymphatic system physiology, cardiovascular assessment techniques, and
peripheral vascular system pathology to reinforce clinical competency
• Active learning approach structured with progressive difficulty levels—use each
topic section for focused study, self-testing, and identifying knowledge gaps before
high-stakes clinical examinations
SECTION 1: LYMPHATIC SYSTEM (Questions 1-65)
1. Which of the following best describes the primary function of the lymphatic
system?
A) To pump blood throughout the body
B) To maintain fluid balance and support immune function
C) To produce red blood cells continuously
D) To regulate body temperature exclusively
E) To break down dietary fats in the small intestine
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To maintain fluid balance and support immune function
RATIONALE: The lymphatic system has two primary functions: (1) maintaining fluid
homeostasis by collecting interstitial fluid that leaks from capillaries and returning it
to the bloodstream, and (2) providing immune surveillance through lymphocytes
and immune cells. The lymphatic system drains approximately 3 liters of fluid daily
back into circulation. While the lymphatic system does assist with fat absorption in
the small intestine via lacteals, this is not its primary function. Temperature
,regulation is primarily managed by the integumentary and nervous systems, and
blood pumping is the heart's responsibility.
2. Which vessels form the lymphatic capillaries and collect interstitial fluid
from tissues?
A) Arterioles and venules
B) Lymphatic capillaries lined with endothelial cells
C) Arteries and veins
D) Capillary beds exclusively
E) Lymph nodes directly
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Lymphatic capillaries lined with endothelial cells
RATIONALE: Lymphatic capillaries are microscopic, closed-ended vessels
composed of a single layer of endothelial cells with overlapping edges that allow
interstitial fluid to enter easily. These capillaries form extensive networks in tissue
spaces and are slightly larger than blood capillaries. They lack the tight junctions of
blood capillaries, allowing fluid and small particles to enter. Once fluid enters the
lymphatic capillaries, it is called lymph. These capillaries converge to form larger
lymphatic vessels that eventually drain into major ducts.
3. What is the composition of lymph in comparison to blood plasma?
A) Lymph contains more red blood cells than plasma
B) Lymph contains more protein than plasma
C) Lymph is similar to plasma but with fewer proteins and formed elements
D) Lymph contains more platelets than plasma
E) Lymph and plasma have identical compositions
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Lymph is similar to plasma but with fewer proteins and
formed elements
,RATIONALE: Lymph is essentially tissue fluid that has entered the lymphatic
system. It contains water, electrolytes, some glucose, and some protein
(approximately 2-3g/dL compared to 7g/dL in plasma), but lacks red blood cells,
platelets, and most clotting factors. Lymph does contain white blood cells,
particularly lymphocytes produced in lymphoid tissues. The lower protein content
is because most plasma proteins are too large to filter out of blood capillaries into
interstitial spaces, though some smaller proteins and albumin do enter tissue fluid.
4. Which of the following is the major site of T lymphocyte maturation?
A) Bone marrow
B) The thymus gland
C) The spleen
D) Lymph nodes
E) Peyer's patches
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The thymus gland
RATIONALE: The thymus gland, located in the anterior mediastinum, is the primary
lymphoid organ where T lymphocytes (thymus-derived cells) mature and
differentiate. T cells originate from bone marrow stem cells but migrate to the
thymus where they undergo positive and negative selection to develop into
functional T cells. The thymus is most active in childhood and involutes with age.
The bone marrow is where hematopoietic stem cells originate for all lymphocytes.
Lymph nodes, spleen, and Peyer's patches are secondary lymphoid organs where
immune responses occur.
5. What is the function of lymph nodes in the immune response?
A) They produce all lymphocytes in the body
B) They filter lymph and mount immune responses to pathogens
C) They pump lymph through the lymphatic vessels
, D) They produce plasma proteins
E) They store red blood cells for emergencies
CORRECT ANSWER: B) They filter lymph and mount immune responses to
pathogens
RATIONALE: Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures positioned along lymphatic
vessels that serve to filter lymph and initiate immune responses. As lymph passes
through a node, pathogens and antigens are trapped and presented to B
lymphocytes (in germinal centers) and T lymphocytes (in paracortical areas),
triggering adaptive immune responses. Lymph nodes contain specialized cells
including macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes. While bone marrow is the
primary site of B lymphocyte production and thymus for T lymphocytes, lymph
nodes do retain and expand lymphocytes locally. Nodes do not pump lymph or
produce plasma proteins.
6. Which duct drains lymph from the right upper extremity, right thorax, and
right head and neck?
A) The thoracic duct
B) The right lymphatic duct
C) The cisterna chyli
D) The subclavian duct
E) The azygos duct
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The right lymphatic duct
RATIONALE: The right lymphatic duct (approximately 1.25 cm long) drains lymph
from the right upper extremity, right side of the thorax, and right head and neck
region. It terminates in the right subclavian vein near the junction with the internal
jugular vein. The thoracic duct drains lymph from the remainder of the body (left
upper extremity, entire lower body, and left thorax/head/neck) and is considerably
larger. The cisterna chyli is the origin point of the thoracic duct. This dual-duct
arrangement ensures efficient lymphatic drainage from all body regions.
