Nursing Elites

1. During a healthy heartbeat, the P wave on an ECG represents

• A. The repolarization of the ventricles.
• B. The electrical conduction through the AV node.
• C. The contraction phase of the ventricles (systole).
• D. The depolarization of the atria.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The P wave on an ECG represents the depolarization of the atria. This electrical activity initiates the contraction of the atria, allowing blood to be pumped into the ventricles. The P wave is the first positive deflection seen on the ECG and signifies the beginning of atrial depolarization, which is a critical step in the cardiac cycle. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Option A (The repolarization of the ventricles) is represented by the T wave on the ECG. Option B (The electrical conduction through the AV node) is not represented by the P wave but rather by the PR interval on the ECG. Option C (The contraction phase of the ventricles (systole)) is more related to the QRS complex on the ECG, which represents ventricular depolarization and contraction.

2. What is a lysosome?

• A. A sac-like structure that contains enzymes that break down cellular components
• B. A network of tubules that transport proteins and lipids throughout the cell
• C. The site of protein synthesis
• D. The site of cellular respiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A lysosome is a membrane-bound organelle found in animal cells that contains digestive enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down various cellular components, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and even foreign particles like bacteria. This breakdown process is crucial for maintaining cell health and function by recycling and disposing of cellular waste. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because lysosomes are not involved in transporting proteins and lipids throughout the cell (option B), protein synthesis (option C), or cellular respiration (option D). Lysosomes primarily function as the cell's 'recycling center' by breaking down and processing cellular materials.

3. Which of the following is NOT a function of the skeletal system?

• A. Support and structure
• B. Production of red blood cells
• C. Storage of minerals like calcium
• D. Insulation of the body

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The skeletal system's primary functions include support and structure, protection of internal organs, movement facilitation, production of blood cells, and storage of minerals like calcium. Insulation of the body is not a function of the skeletal system. Insulation, typically involving fat under the skin, helps regulate body temperature but is not a direct function of the skeletal system. Choice B, the production of red blood cells, is a function of the skeletal system as it occurs in the bone marrow within the bones. Choices A and C are also correct functions of the skeletal system.

4. How many chromosomes must a normal human sperm cell contain?

• A. An X chromosome.
• B. A Y chromosome.
• C. 23 chromosomes.
• D. Both an X and Y chromosome.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A normal human sperm cell contains a total of 23 chromosomes, half the number found in a typical human cell which has 46 chromosomes. This includes 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome, which can be either an X or a Y chromosome. Therefore, the correct answer is that a normal human sperm cell must contain 23 chromosomes. Choices A and B are incorrect because a single sex chromosome alone does not represent the total number of chromosomes in a sperm cell. Choice D is incorrect because a sperm cell carries only one sex chromosome, either X or Y, not both.

5. Which of the following is a true statement about dominance in genetics?

• A. All genes adhere to Mendel’s law of dominance.
• B. A dominant allele will always be expressed.
• C. When two dominant alleles are present, the resulting phenotype will express both traits.
• D. There are three or more alleles possible for all genes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In genetics, dominance refers to the relationship between two different alleles of a gene where one allele (dominant) masks the expression of another allele (recessive) in an individual's phenotype. The correct statement about dominance is that a dominant allele will always be expressed in the phenotype, even in the presence of a recessive allele. This means that if an individual has at least one dominant allele for a particular trait, that trait will be expressed. Choice A is incorrect because not all genes follow Mendel’s law of dominance; exceptions do exist. Choice C is incorrect because when two dominant alleles are present, only one will be expressed due to complete dominance. Choice D is incorrect as there can be more than three alleles for a gene, and not all genes have three or more alleles.

Similar Questions