Nursing Elites

1. An occurrence of too high a concentration of which of the following electrolytes is associated with cardiac arrhythmias?

• A. chloride
• B. phosphorus
• C. potassium
• D. sodium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is potassium. High levels of potassium in the blood, known as hyperkalemia, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias by affecting the electrical activity of the heart. This can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart and lead to serious complications. Chloride, phosphorus, and sodium imbalances are not typically associated with cardiac arrhythmias, making them incorrect choices.

2. Which of the following substances is involved in the destruction of ingested pathogens?

• A. lymphatic fluid
• B. stomach acid
• C. bicarbonate
• D. lipase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is stomach acid. Stomach acid, also known as gastric acid, plays a crucial role in destroying ingested pathogens due to its high acidity. The low pH of stomach acid helps to kill bacteria and other pathogens that may be present in the food we consume. Lymphatic fluid is involved in immune function and fat absorption, not pathogen destruction. Bicarbonate is a base that neutralizes stomach acid to prevent damage to the stomach lining. Lipase is an enzyme that aids in the digestion of fats but is not involved in pathogen destruction.

3. Positive feedback mechanisms usually result in

• A. changes returning values away from a set point.
• B. stable conditions around a set point.
• C. unstable conditions.
• D. long-term changes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Positive feedback mechanisms usually result in unstable conditions. In a positive feedback loop, the output enhances or amplifies the changes that are occurring, leading to a deviation from the initial set point. Therefore, positive feedback does not bring values back towards the set point (Choice A). Choice B is incorrect because positive feedback does not promote stability around a set point. Choice D is also incorrect as positive feedback mechanisms typically do not lead to long-term changes; instead, they intensify the initial change, causing instability.

4. Which of the following structures, located at the end of the ear canal, vibrates when sound waves strike it?

• A. Acoustic meatus
• B. Cochlea
• C. Eustachian tube
• D. Tympanic membrane

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the Tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, is located at the end of the ear canal and vibrates when sound waves strike it. This vibration is then transmitted to the ossicles in the middle ear, which amplify and transmit the sound to the inner ear. Choice A, the Acoustic meatus, is incorrect as it is the ear canal itself, not the structure that vibrates. Choice B, the Cochlea, is responsible for translating sound vibrations into electrical signals but is not located at the end of the ear canal. Choice C, the Eustachian tube, is responsible for equalizing pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere and is not involved in vibration from sound waves.

5. Maintaining a stable internal environment typically requires

• A. positive feedback mechanisms.
• B. an unstable outside environment.
• C. decreased atmospheric pressure.
• D. negative feedback mechanisms.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'negative feedback mechanisms.' In biological systems, negative feedback mechanisms help maintain homeostasis by counteracting any deviations from the set point. They work to stabilize internal conditions and keep them within a narrow range. On the other hand, positive feedback mechanisms amplify changes and are not involved in maintaining stability. Choice B, 'an unstable outside environment,' is incorrect as internal stability is independent of external conditions like weather. Choice C, 'decreased atmospheric pressure,' is also incorrect as it does not directly relate to internal homeostasis.

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