Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the epiglottis?

• A. Produces saliva
• B. Senses taste
• C. Prevents food from entering the windpipe
• D. Filters blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action ensures that food and liquids are directed to the esophagus and down into the stomach, rather than entering the respiratory system, which could lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. The other options (A) Produces saliva, (B) Senses taste, and (D) Filters blood are functions of other structures in the body and are not related to the role of the epiglottis.

2. Which part of the brain generates the rhythmic electrical activity responsible for brain waves?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Thalamus
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Reticular formation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reticular formation. The reticular formation is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating consciousness and sleep-wake cycles. It generates the rhythmic electrical activity responsible for brain waves, which are measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG). While the cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus are important parts of the brain, they do not directly generate brain waves like the reticular formation does. Understanding the specific functions of different brain regions is crucial for comprehending how the brain functions and regulates various physiological processes.

3. Action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons, are generated by the movement of:

• A. Glucose
• B. Sodium and potassium ions
• C. Neurotransmitters
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium and potassium ions. Action potentials are generated by the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the neuronal membrane. During depolarization, sodium ions rush into the cell, causing a change in electrical charge. This influx of positive ions triggers the opening of voltage-gated potassium channels, allowing potassium ions to exit the cell during repolarization. Glucose is a source of energy for cells but does not directly generate action potentials. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released at synapses, while myelin is a fatty substance that insulates axons, speeding up the conduction of action potentials but not directly generating them.

4. What is the main function of the gallbladder?

• A. To store and concentrate bile
• B. To produce digestive enzymes
• C. To absorb nutrients
• D. To neutralize stomach acid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that plays a crucial role in the digestive system. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder into the small intestine to help with the digestion and absorption of fats. The gallbladder acts as a reservoir for bile, allowing it to be released in a controlled manner when needed to aid in the digestion of fatty foods. Therefore, option A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the main function of the gallbladder.

5. Which term describes the quantity of matter in an object and is measured in kilograms or grams?

• A. Weight
• B. Mass
• C. Volume
• D. Density

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mass is the term that describes the quantity of matter in an object. It is typically measured in kilograms or grams. Weight, on the other hand, is the force of gravity acting on an object and is measured in newtons. Volume is the amount of space an object occupies, typically measured in cubic units such as cubic meters or cubic centimeters. Density is the mass of an object per unit volume and is measured in units such as kilograms per cubic meter.

6. The network of vessels and ducts responsible for draining excess fluid and waste products from tissues is the:

• A. Circulatory system
• B. Digestive system
• C. Lymphatic system
• D. Respiratory system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and ducts that play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body by draining excess fluid and waste products from tissues. Unlike the circulatory system (A), which primarily transports blood, the lymphatic system is specifically designed for this drainage function. The digestive system (B) is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, while the respiratory system (D) is involved in the exchange of gases. Therefore, the lymphatic system is the correct answer for this question as it is uniquely tasked with managing tissue fluid balance and waste removal.

Similar Questions