Nursing Elites

1. During normal breathing, which muscle is the primary driver of inhalation by contracting and flattening to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for inhalation during normal breathing. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating a negative pressure that allows air to flow into the lungs. Intercostal muscles also play a role in expanding the chest cavity during inhalation, but the diaphragm is the main driver of the process. Abdominal muscles are primarily involved in exhalation by pushing the diaphragm upward to expel air from the lungs. Pectoral muscles are involved in movements of the arms and shoulders, not in breathing, making them incorrect choices for this question.

2. Which structure in the digestive system absorbs the most nutrients?

• A. Stomach
• B. Small intestine
• C. Large intestine
• D. Esophagus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site where the absorption of nutrients from digested food occurs. Its large surface area, specialized cells, and villi play key roles in maximizing nutrient absorption, making it the structure in the digestive system that absorbs the most nutrients. The stomach's main function is to break down food with acid and enzymes, not absorb nutrients. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, not nutrients. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat with the stomach and does not play a role in nutrient absorption.

3. Where does fertilization of the egg by sperm typically occur?

• A. Ovary
• B. Fallopian tube
• C. Uterus
• D. Vagina

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fertilization of the egg by sperm typically occurs in the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, where it may encounter sperm for fertilization. The fallopian tube provides the ideal environment, including necessary nutrients and conditions, for fertilization to take place before the fertilized egg moves towards the uterus for implantation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because fertilization does not occur in the ovary, uterus, or vagina. The ovary releases the egg, the uterus is the site for implantation, and the vagina is part of the birth canal but not the typical site for fertilization.

4. Which part of the male reproductive system is responsible for producing seminal fluid?

• A. Bladder
• B. Urethra
• C. Prostate gland
• D. Kidney

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the prostate gland (Choice C). The prostate gland, located near the bladder, is responsible for producing seminal fluid. This fluid, along with sperm from the testes, makes up semen. The bladder stores urine, the urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, and the kidney filters waste from the blood to produce urine. The prostate gland's specific function is to secrete a milky, alkaline fluid that mixes with sperm during ejaculation to form semen. This fluid helps nourish and protect the sperm, aiding in their motility and viability. Therefore, the prostate gland plays a crucial role in male reproductive function by contributing to the composition and quality of semen, essential for fertility.

5. What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?

• A. Transcribes DNA into mRNA
• B. Decodes the genetic code on mRNA
• C. Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes
• D. Modifies the structure of proteins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Transcribes DNA into mRNA: This is the function of RNA polymerase, not transfer RNA (tRNA). tRNA is involved in protein synthesis, not transcription. B) Decodes the genetic code on mRNA: This is the function of tRNA during translation. tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids and recognize the codons on mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. C) Carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes: This is the primary role of tRNA in protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule is specific for a particular amino acid and carries it to the ribosome, where it is added to the growing protein chain. D) Modifies the structure of proteins: This is not a function of tRNA. Protein modification can occur after translation is complete and involves other cellular processes and molecules.

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