National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

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Which of the following is a vital function of the cardiovascular system?

  1. Producing hormones

  2. Transporting oxygen

  3. Absorbing nutrients

  4. Filtering waste

The correct answer is: Transporting oxygen

The cardiovascular system plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body, making it fundamentally vital to its overall function. Oxygen is essential for cellular metabolism and energy production, as every cell in the body requires it to perform basic physiological functions. The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to tissues and organs, ensuring that each part of the body receives the necessary oxygen to thrive. In addition to transporting oxygen, the cardiovascular system is also responsible for transporting carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste products away from tissues, which is vital for maintaining homeostasis. While the other choices relate to important bodily functions, they do not fall under the primary roles of the cardiovascular system. Hormone production is more specifically related to glands like the thyroid or adrenal glands, nutrient absorption occurs mainly in the digestive system, and waste filtration is primarily the role of the kidneys. Thus, the unique responsibility of the cardiovascular system for oxygen transport highlights its vital function within the body.