Nursing Elites

1. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. What is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases?

• A. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals
• B. Exposure to environmental toxins
• C. Breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases result from a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms, leading to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body tissues. While deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals or exposure to environmental toxins can impact overall health, they are not direct causes of autoimmune diseases. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals may weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to various health issues but does not directly cause autoimmune diseases. Exposure to environmental toxins can trigger immune responses, but autoimmune diseases specifically stem from the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms within immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms.

2. What is the term for the process of exchanging gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the blood and the tissues?

• A. Inhalation
• B. Exhalation
• C. External respiration
• D. Internal respiration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: External respiration is the correct term for the process of exchanging gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the blood and the tissues. It specifically refers to the exchange of gases that occurs in the lungs, where oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is released from the bloodstream to be exhaled. Inhalation and exhalation, choices A and B, are phases of the breathing process that involve the intake and expulsion of air into and out of the lungs, respectively. Internal respiration, choice D, is the process of gas exchange that happens at the cellular level between the blood and body tissues, not between the blood and the lungs or tissues as in external respiration. Therefore, external respiration is the most appropriate term for the described gas exchange process in the question.

3. What is the function of the pleurae?

• A. To compartmentalize and lubricate the lungs
• B. To facilitate the flow of air
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To serve as the passageway for air

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pleurae play a crucial role in compartmentalizing and lubricating the lungs. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This double-layered structure reduces friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing movements, allowing smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, 'To facilitate the flow of air,' is incorrect because while the pleurae are involved in the respiratory process, their primary function is not to directly facilitate the flow of air. Option C, 'To produce mucus,' is incorrect as the production of mucus is not a primary function of the pleurae. Option D, 'To serve as the passageway for air,' is incorrect as the passageway for air refers to the air passages like the trachea and bronchi, not the pleurae. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately describes the function of the pleurae.

4. Electrons occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus, but not in fixed orbits. This concept is captured by the:

• A. Bohr model
• B. Quantum mechanical model
• C. Lewis structure
• D. Octet rule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Quantum mechanical model. Unlike the Bohr model with its defined electron paths, the quantum mechanical model uses probability distributions to describe electron locations within energy levels. Choice A, the Bohr model, describes fixed electron orbits, which is not in line with the concept of electron distribution in energy levels. Choices C and D, Lewis structure and Octet rule respectively, are not related to the description of electron distribution around the nucleus in energy levels, making them incorrect answers.

5. What is a primary function of red blood cells?

• A. To fight infection
• B. To carry oxygen
• C. To produce antibodies
• D. To transport waste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all the body's tissues and organs, where it is needed for cellular functions and metabolism. This process is essential for sustaining life and providing energy to cells. Choice A is incorrect because fighting infection is primarily done by white blood cells. Choice C is incorrect because antibody production is mainly carried out by specialized white blood cells. Choice D is incorrect as the primary role of red blood cells is not to transport waste, but rather to transport oxygen and some carbon dioxide.

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