Nursing Elites

1. What term describes a series of muscle contractions that transports food down the digestive tract in a wave-like fashion?

• A. digestion
• B. deglutition
• C. defecation
• D. peristalsis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the series of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract in a wave-like manner. This process helps propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestion (Choice A) refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, deglutition (Choice B) is the act of swallowing, and defecation (Choice C) is the elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term to describe the described muscle contractions in the digestive system.

2. What describes a cell’s reaction to being placed in a hypertonic solution?

• A. The cell will shrink as water is pulled out of the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• B. The cell will swell as water is pulled into the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• C. The cell will remain the same size since the concentrations inside and outside the cell are equal to begin with.
• D. The pH inside the cell will drop in order to equalize the pH inside and outside the cell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A cell placed in a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. This creates a concentration gradient that causes water to move out of the cell through osmosis to equalize the concentrations on both sides. As a result, the cell will shrink or undergo plasmolysis, as water is pulled out of the cell. Choice B is incorrect because a hypertonic solution causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage rather than swelling. Choice C is incorrect as a hypertonic solution results in a concentration gradient that leads to water leaving the cell, causing it to shrink. Choice D is incorrect because pH is not directly affected by being placed in a hypertonic solution; the change in solute concentration primarily impacts water movement.

3. Which structure in the eye is responsible for detecting light?

• A. Cornea
• B. Retina
• C. Lens
• D. Iris

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The retina is the correct answer as it is the light-sensitive structure in the eye that detects light and converts it into signals for the brain to process visual information. The cornea is the transparent outer covering of the eye that helps to focus incoming light onto the lens. The lens further focuses the light onto the retina, which is where the actual light detection and signal conversion occur. The iris, on the other hand, controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil but is not directly responsible for detecting light.

4. What is the function of the pituitary gland?

• A. Produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism
• B. Filters blood and removes waste products
• C. Stores and releases bile
• D. Produces red blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it produces and releases hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. It does not filter blood or remove waste products (option B), store and release bile (option C), or produce red blood cells (option D). The pituitary gland's primary role is in hormone production and regulation, influencing many essential functions in the body.

5. Which of the following types of muscles is found in the walls of hollow organs?

• A. Cardiac
• B. Smooth
• C. Skeletal
• D. Voluntary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscles are the correct answer as they are found in the walls of hollow organs such as the intestines and blood vessels. Cardiac muscles are specifically found in the heart and are responsible for its contractions. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and control voluntary movements. Voluntary muscles are under conscious control, but this term is not a specific type of muscle like smooth, cardiac, or skeletal muscles.

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