Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the CNRN Exam. Test your knowledge with our comprehensive multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and improve your chances of a successful exam outcome!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the primary function of the lower esophageal sphincter?

To allow food to enter the stomach
To keep stomach acid in the stomach
To produce gastric secretions
To facilitate bile production

The correct answer is: To keep stomach acid in the stomach

The primary function of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, is to maintain a barrier that helps keep stomach acid contained within the stomach. This sphincter prevents the backflow or reflux of gastric contents, including acid, into the esophagus. When functioning properly, it allows food to pass into the stomach while simultaneously preventing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can occur if the sphincter does not close appropriately. In contrast to the other options, the sphincter's role is not related to the entry of food (which is the job of the upper esophageal sphincter), the production of gastric secretions (which are produced by the stomach lining itself), or bile production (which occurs in the liver and is then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder). Hence, the correct answer highlights the sphincter's crucial role in preventing stomach acid from entering the esophagus, thus protecting the esophageal mucosa from damage due to acid exposure.