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. Which of the following is TRUE about functional nursing?

A. Concentrates on tasks and activities
B. Emphasizes use of group collaboration
C. One-to-one nurse-patient ratio
D. Provides continuous, coordinated and comprehensive nursing services

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Emphasizes use of group collaboration." Functional nursing is a task-oriented approach where team members specialize in specific tasks or activities. In this model, nurses work together in groups to provide care to a larger number of patients efficiently. This differs from the one-to-one nurse-patient ratio (C) and the continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive nursing services (D). While functional nursing concentrates on tasks (A), the key feature emphasized in this care delivery model is the use of group collaboration to provide care effectively.

3. Which sentence uses the colon correctly?

A. I brought snacks: chips, salsa, and guacamole.
B. The winner is: Sarah!
C. He loves all things chocolate: cake, ice cream, and candy bars.
D. Please bring the following items: pen, paper, and stapler.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Colons are used to introduce a list or explanation that follows an independent clause. Options (a) and (c) use the colon correctly.

4. Two objects with equal masses collide head-on, both initially moving at the same speed. After the collision, they stick together. What is their final velocity?

A. Zero
B. Half their initial velocity
C. Their initial velocity
D. Twice their initial velocity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an inelastic collision like this, kinetic energy is not conserved, but momentum is. Since the total momentum before the collision was zero (equal and opposite velocities), it must be zero after the collision as well, resulting in both objects stopping.

5. What is the valve that prevents blood from flowing back from the left ventricle into the left atrium?

A. Tricuspid valve
B. Mitral valve
C. Aortic valve
D. Pulmonic valve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mitral valve. The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Its primary function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle, the aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, and the pulmonic valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Therefore, the mitral valve is specifically responsible for preventing backflow in the left side of the heart, making it the correct answer.