Nursing Elites

1. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating heart rate, breathing, and swallowing?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brainstem and is responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and swallowing. It contains vital control centers for these automatic processes, making it a critical part of the brain for maintaining life. The cerebrum is primarily involved in higher brain functions such as thinking and voluntary movement, while the cerebellum helps with coordination and balance. The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information. Therefore, the medulla oblongata is the most appropriate choice for regulating these basic physiological functions.

2. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

• A. Cramp
• B. Spasm
• C. Tic
• D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Spasm.' A spasm is a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. Cramps are a type of spasm characterized by intense, localized pain and temporary muscle tightness. Tics are repetitive, involuntary movements or vocalizations. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, not related to muscle contractions. Therefore, 'spasm' best fits the description provided in the question.

3. A doctor prescribes 150 milligrams of medication to be taken orally every 12 hours. How many grams should the patient take per dose?

• A. 0.015 grams
• B. 0.15 grams
• C. 1.5 grams
• D. 15 grams

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 1 gram is equal to 1000 milligrams. Divide the dosage in milligrams (150 mg) by the conversion factor (1000 mg/gram) to find the dosage in grams: 150 mg / 1000 mg/gram = 0.15 grams.

4. Which of the following is the main organ responsible for absorbing nutrients?

• A. Stomach
• B. Small intestine
• C. Large intestine
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The small intestine is the main organ responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. It is where the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals occurs. The inner lining of the small intestine is covered in tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. The stomach plays a role in breaking down food into smaller particles, but the actual absorption of nutrients primarily takes place in the small intestine. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, while the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones but is not primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients.

5. Which muscle plays a significant role in the process of forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. External intercostal muscles
• C. Internal intercostal muscles
• D. Abdominal muscles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Internal intercostal muscles. During forced exhalation, these muscles contract to depress the ribs and decrease the thoracic cavity volume, assisting in pushing air out of the lungs. The diaphragm is primarily responsible for inhalation by contracting to increase thoracic cavity volume. External intercostal muscles aid in inhalation by elevating the ribs. Abdominal muscles are involved in activities like coughing, sneezing, and forced exhalation by compressing the abdominal contents to further reduce thoracic volume. Therefore, the internal intercostal muscles have a significant role in forced exhalation.

6. In a food chain, which trophic level captures energy from the sun?

• A. Decomposers
• B. Carnivores
• C. Producers
• D. Omnivores

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Producers, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, are the organisms in a food chain that capture energy from the sun through the process of photosynthesis. They convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is then passed on to other organisms in the food chain. Producers are at the base of the food chain and form the foundation for all other trophic levels to obtain energy. Decomposers (option A) break down organic matter, carnivores (option B) consume other animals, and omnivores (option D) consume both plants and animals, but they do not directly capture energy from the sun.

Similar Questions