1. During inhalation, which muscle contracts to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity, allowing air to flow into the lungs?

A. Diaphragm
B. Intercostal muscles
C. Abdominal muscles
D. Pectoral muscles

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diaphragm. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This action creates a pressure difference between the lungs and the atmosphere, causing air to flow into the lungs. The intercostal muscles also play a role by expanding the ribcage, but the primary muscle responsible for increasing thoracic cavity volume during inhalation is the diaphragm. Abdominal muscles are involved in exhalation by contracting to push the diaphragm up, reducing thoracic cavity volume. Pectoral muscles are located in the chest and are not directly involved in the breathing process.

2. In which direction do the particles of the medium move in a transverse wave?

A. Perpendicular to the direction of wave travel
B. Parallel to the direction of wave travel
C. In a circular motion
D. Opposite to the direction of wave travel

Correct answer: a

Rationale: In a transverse wave, particle displacement occurs perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

3. The most common cause of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are:

A. Viruses
B. Bacteria
C. Fungi
D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving treatment in a healthcare facility. Among the options provided, bacteria are the most common cause of HAIs. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are known to cause a wide range of infections in healthcare settings. While viruses, fungi, and parasites can also cause HAIs, bacteria are the most prevalent and significant pathogens responsible for these infections. Proper infection control measures, including hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship, are essential in preventing and controlling HAIs caused by bacteria.

4. What is the correct way to write "25th anniversary" as a word?

A. Twenty-fiveth anniversary
B. Twenty Fiveth Anniversary
C. Twenty fifth anniversary
D. twenty-fifth anniversary

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ordinals (numbers with "th", "st", "nd", etc.) are generally written as words when used before nouns. Option (d) is correct.

5. When sodium hydroxide (NaOH) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), the resulting product is:

A. Hydrogen gas and sodium chloride (NaCl)
B. Chlorine gas and sodium oxide (Na2O)
C. Sodium metal (Na) and water (H2O)
D. No reaction occurs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This is a classic neutralization reaction, forming water and a salt (sodium chloride).

6. Hair follicles are openings in the skin that house

A. Blood vessels (Blood vessels are not housed in hair follicles)
B. Nerve endings (Nerve endings are present but not housed within)
C. Hair shafts and hair roots
D. Sebaceous glands (These glands are often attached to hair follicles)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hair follicles are structures in the skin that house both the hair shaft and the hair root. The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends from the skin's surface, while the hair root is the part embedded within the hair follicle and extends into the deeper layers of the skin. The sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (an oily substance), are typically attached to hair follicles and help lubricate and protect the hair and skin. Blood vessels and nerve endings are present in the skin but are not housed within the hair follicles themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as hair follicles contain both the hair shaft and hair root.