Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An
Orientation.
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Complementarity of
Structure & Function (Key Concept)
Stem: A nurse explains why alveoli are thin-walled. Which best
describes complementarity of structure and function?
A. Function dictates structure.
B. Structure and function are unrelated.
C. Structure determines function.
D. Only physiology explains structure.
Answer: C
Rationale (correct): Structure determines function; alveoli’s
thin walls increase gas diffusion efficiency (Marieb Ch.1, 1.1).
Clinically, understanding alveolar structure guides monitoring of
gas exchange in respiratory patients.
Rationale (A): Incorrect — function doesn’t dictate structure;
anatomy (structure) enables function.
Rationale (B): Incorrect — they are directly related.
Rationale (D): Incorrect — physiology describes function but
structure underlies it.
Teaching point: Anatomical form enables physiological function.
,2
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Topics of Anatomy (Key
Concept)
Stem: Which subfield studies organ systems function in living
patients and is most relevant to bedside nursing?
A. Gross anatomy
B. Surface anatomy
C. Systemic anatomy
D. Developmental anatomy
Answer: C
Rationale (correct): Systemic anatomy examines body systems
(e.g., cardiovascular) as functional units — essential for nursing
assessments of system-level problems (Marieb Ch.1, Topics of
Anatomy).
Rationale (A): Incorrect — gross anatomy studies large
structures but not system integration.
Rationale (B): Incorrect — surface anatomy focuses on external
landmarks.
Rationale (D): Incorrect — developmental anatomy focuses on
growth and changes over lifespan.
Teaching point: System-level anatomy links directly to clinical
assessments.
3
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Studying Anatomy (Key
Concept)
, Stem: Which method provides best visualization of internal
organs in a living patient without incision?
A. Dissection
B. Radiographic imaging
C. Histology
D. Cadaver study
Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Radiographic imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray)
visualizes internal anatomy noninvasively and is routinely used
clinically for diagnosis and nursing care planning (Marieb Ch.1,
Studying Anatomy).
Rationale (A): Incorrect — dissection requires cadavers, not
living patients.
Rationale (C): Incorrect — histology examines microscopic
tissue, often from biopsies.
Rationale (D): Incorrect — cadaver study is postmortem.
Teaching point: Imaging visualizes living internal anatomy
noninvasively.
4
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Topics of Physiology (Key
Concept)
Stem: Which physiological level most directly explains how a
drug alters heart rate?
A. Molecular physiology
B. Systemic physiology