Structure & Function of the Body
16th Edition
• Author(s)Kevin T. Patton; Gary A. Thibodeau
TEST BANK
1
Reference: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Anatomical
position & anatomical directions (Section: Anatomical Position
and Directions)
Question Stem: A nurse documents that a patient has a surgical
incision on the medial aspect of the left thigh. Which
description most precisely locates the incision for an incoming
clinician?
,A. On the inner left thigh, toward the midline
B. On the front of the left thigh, near the knee
C. On the outer left thigh, along the hip
D. On the left thigh, close to the posterior midline
Correct Answer: A
Rationales:
• Correct (A): “Medial” means toward the midline; the
medial aspect of the left thigh is the inner surface —
precise anatomical direction used for safe handover.
• B: “Front” describes anterior, not medial; this could
mislead the clinician regarding incision location.
• C: “Outer” is lateral, opposite of medial, so this contradicts
the documentation.
• D: “Posterior” refers to the back; pairing posterior with
midline is inconsistent with medial/anterior descriptors.
Teaching Point: Medial = toward the midline; lateral = away
from the midline.
Citation: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Anatomical Position
and Directions
2
Reference: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Planes of the body
(Section: Planes & Sections)
,Question Stem: A frail patient requires a head CT to evaluate a
suspected subdural hematoma. The imaging tech explains that
axial (transverse) slices will be used. Which description best
explains an axial plane?
A. Cuts that divide the body into left and right portions
B. Cuts that divide the body into anterior and posterior portions
C. Cuts that divide the body into superior and inferior portions
D. Cuts that follow the long axis of an organ
Correct Answer: C
Rationales:
• Correct (C): The axial (transverse) plane divides the body
into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts — the
standard for most head CT slices.
• A: Describes the sagittal plane, not axial.
• B: Describes the frontal (coronal) plane.
• D: Vague and incorrect — planes are standard anatomic
divisions, not necessarily following an organ’s long axis.
Teaching Point: Axial/transverse planes separate superior and
inferior body parts.
Citation: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Planes & Sections
3
, Reference: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Body cavities
(Section: Body Cavities & Membranes)
Question Stem: A patient with perforated peptic ulcer is at risk
for peritonitis. Which statement best explains why infection in
the peritoneal cavity can rapidly produce systemic signs?
A. The peritoneal cavity has limited lymphatic drainage,
trapping bacteria locally
B. The peritoneal cavity’s large, absorptive surface allows toxins
and bacteria into circulation
C. Peritoneal membrane is impermeable, preventing systemic
spread
D. The peritoneal cavity is separated from the bloodstream by
rigid fibrous tissue
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): The peritoneum has a large surface area and
rich vascular/lymphatic connections; contamination allows
rapid absorption of inflammatory mediators and bacteria,
producing systemic signs.
• A: The peritoneum actually has extensive lymphatic
absorption; limited drainage is incorrect.
• C: The peritoneal membrane is semipermeable and allows
transfer, so “impermeable” is false.
16th Edition
• Author(s)Kevin T. Patton; Gary A. Thibodeau
TEST BANK
1
Reference: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Anatomical
position & anatomical directions (Section: Anatomical Position
and Directions)
Question Stem: A nurse documents that a patient has a surgical
incision on the medial aspect of the left thigh. Which
description most precisely locates the incision for an incoming
clinician?
,A. On the inner left thigh, toward the midline
B. On the front of the left thigh, near the knee
C. On the outer left thigh, along the hip
D. On the left thigh, close to the posterior midline
Correct Answer: A
Rationales:
• Correct (A): “Medial” means toward the midline; the
medial aspect of the left thigh is the inner surface —
precise anatomical direction used for safe handover.
• B: “Front” describes anterior, not medial; this could
mislead the clinician regarding incision location.
• C: “Outer” is lateral, opposite of medial, so this contradicts
the documentation.
• D: “Posterior” refers to the back; pairing posterior with
midline is inconsistent with medial/anterior descriptors.
Teaching Point: Medial = toward the midline; lateral = away
from the midline.
Citation: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Anatomical Position
and Directions
2
Reference: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Planes of the body
(Section: Planes & Sections)
,Question Stem: A frail patient requires a head CT to evaluate a
suspected subdural hematoma. The imaging tech explains that
axial (transverse) slices will be used. Which description best
explains an axial plane?
A. Cuts that divide the body into left and right portions
B. Cuts that divide the body into anterior and posterior portions
C. Cuts that divide the body into superior and inferior portions
D. Cuts that follow the long axis of an organ
Correct Answer: C
Rationales:
• Correct (C): The axial (transverse) plane divides the body
into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts — the
standard for most head CT slices.
• A: Describes the sagittal plane, not axial.
• B: Describes the frontal (coronal) plane.
• D: Vague and incorrect — planes are standard anatomic
divisions, not necessarily following an organ’s long axis.
Teaching Point: Axial/transverse planes separate superior and
inferior body parts.
Citation: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Planes & Sections
3
, Reference: Patton & Thibodeau, 2024, Ch. 1: Body cavities
(Section: Body Cavities & Membranes)
Question Stem: A patient with perforated peptic ulcer is at risk
for peritonitis. Which statement best explains why infection in
the peritoneal cavity can rapidly produce systemic signs?
A. The peritoneal cavity has limited lymphatic drainage,
trapping bacteria locally
B. The peritoneal cavity’s large, absorptive surface allows toxins
and bacteria into circulation
C. Peritoneal membrane is impermeable, preventing systemic
spread
D. The peritoneal cavity is separated from the bloodstream by
rigid fibrous tissue
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct (B): The peritoneum has a large surface area and
rich vascular/lymphatic connections; contamination allows
rapid absorption of inflammatory mediators and bacteria,
producing systemic signs.
• A: The peritoneum actually has extensive lymphatic
absorption; limited drainage is incorrect.
• C: The peritoneal membrane is semipermeable and allows
transfer, so “impermeable” is false.
