Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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Boost your confidence for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare for your future!

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What is the primary function of the right ventricle in the circulatory system?

Pumps blood through the aorta to the entire body
Pumps deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery
Pumps oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation
Pumps blood to the coronary arteries

The correct answer is: Pumps deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery

The primary function of the right ventricle in the circulatory system is to pump deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery. This is a crucial step in the process of pulmonary circulation, where the right ventricle receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and then contracts to send this blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. In the lungs, the blood releases carbon dioxide and absorbs oxygen, which is essential for oxygenating the blood before it returns to the left side of the heart and is then distributed to the rest of the body. The other options refer to functions performed by different parts of the heart or circulatory system. For example, pumping blood through the aorta to the entire body is the role of the left ventricle, which handles oxygenated blood. The left ventricle also pumps oxygenated blood into systemic circulation, while the coronary arteries receive blood directly from the aorta to supply the heart muscle itself. Understanding the distinct roles of the heart's chambers is key to grasping how blood circulation operates effectively within the body.