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 of the following is a unit of power?

• A. Newton-meter (N·m)
• B. Joule (J)
• C. Watt (W)
• D. Kilogram (kg)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Watt (W). Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. The unit of power is the watt (W), named after James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine. A Newton-meter (N·m) is a unit of torque, Joule (J) is a unit of energy, and Kilogram (kg) is a unit of mass, not power. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent units of torque, energy, and mass, respectively, and not power.

3. Isotopes are variants of a single element that differ in:

• A. Having the same number of protons but varying numbers of neutrons
• B. Having the same number of neutrons but varying numbers of protons
• C. Having the same mass but different atomic numbers
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isotopes are variants of a single element that have the same number of protons, the defining characteristic of an element. They differ in the number of neutrons they possess, leading to isotopes having different atomic masses while retaining the same chemical properties. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of neutrons and differ in the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses due to varying numbers of neutrons, not different atomic numbers. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes do differ in the number of neutrons they possess.

4. How is blood pressure controlled by the body?

• A. By adjusting heart rate only
• B. By regulating blood volume
• C. By baroreceptors and hormones
• D. By adjusting body temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Blood pressure is controlled by baroreceptors located in the aortic arch and carotid arteries that detect changes in blood pressure levels. When blood pressure is high, these receptors signal for adjustments to lower it. Additionally, hormones such as renin from the kidneys are released when blood pressure drops, further aiding in blood pressure regulation. Choice A is incorrect because blood pressure regulation involves more than just adjusting heart rate; it also includes vasodilation and vasoconstriction. Choice B is incorrect as while blood volume can impact blood pressure, it is not the primary mechanism of blood pressure control. Choice D is incorrect as body temperature regulation is a separate physiological process and not directly related to blood pressure control.

5. Which of the following statements best defines an organelle?

• A. Layer of polysaccharides outside the plasma membrane of cells.
• B. Abnormal infectious proteins.
• C. Specialized structures within a cell.
• D. Collection of tissues used to serve a specific function.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Specialized structures within a cell.' An organelle is a specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function. Organelles are membrane-bound structures found within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, each performing distinct roles that contribute to the overall functioning of the cell. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Option A describes the glycocalyx, which is a layer of polysaccharides outside the plasma membrane of cells. Option B refers to prions, abnormal infectious proteins. Option D defines an organ, a collection of tissues used to serve a specific function, rather than an organelle within a cell.

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