Nursing Elites

1. During inhalation, which muscle contracts to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity, allowing air to flow into the lungs?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal muscles
• C. Abdominal muscles
• D. Pectoral muscles

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for inhalation. When it contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating a pressure gradient that allows air to flow into the lungs. While the intercostal muscles also play a role in expanding the chest cavity during inhalation, the diaphragm is the main muscle involved in this process. Abdominal muscles and pectoral muscles are not directly involved in the process of inhalation.

2. What does the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determine?

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Isotope
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is referred to as the atomic number. This atomic number is crucial as it uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Isotopes are variants of elements with the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons. Valence electron count pertains to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, which influences its chemical behavior.

3. What is the difference between the atomic number and the mass number of an atom?

• A. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• B. The atomic number is the number of electrons in an atom, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• C. The atomic number is the number of neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and electrons in an atom.
• D. The atomic number is the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of electrons in an atom.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of an atom represents the number of protons in its nucleus, which defines the element's identity. On the other hand, the mass number corresponds to the total sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the key distinction between the atomic number and the mass number lies in the fact that the atomic number specifically counts the protons, whereas the mass number encompasses both protons and neutrons. Choice B is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons but rather to the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because the atomic number is not the number of neutrons but the number of protons. Choice D is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it is solely the number of protons.

4. How many tissue layers make up the uterus?

• A. One.
• B. Two.
• C. Three.
• D. Four.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Three.' The uterus is composed of three tissue layers: the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium. The endometrium is the innermost layer that thickens during the menstrual cycle and sheds during menstruation or supports a developing embryo during pregnancy. The myometrium is the middle layer, consisting of muscle tissue that contracts during labor. The perimetrium is the outer layer that covers the uterus. These three layers work together to support the functions of the uterus, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and labor. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the uterus is not made up of just one or two layers but rather three distinct tissue layers.

5. Which of the following processes breaks down cellular components for recycling or waste removal?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Cellular respiration
• C. Cell division
• D. Phagocytosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and break down cellular components or foreign particles for recycling or waste removal. It is a vital mechanism used by cells to maintain homeostasis and remove waste materials. Photosynthesis (A) is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to produce food, not for breaking down cellular components. Cellular respiration (B) is the process by which cells generate energy from nutrients, not for waste removal. Cell division (C) is the process by which cells replicate and divide to form new cells during growth, repair, or development, not for breaking down cellular components.

Similar Questions