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. The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is an example of a:

• A. Sesamoid bone
• B. Long bone
• C. Short bone
• D. Irregular bone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patella, also known as the kneecap, is an example of a sesamoid bone. Sesamoid bones develop within tendons, such as the patellar tendon in this case. The patella is embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps muscle, enhancing the mechanical advantage of the muscle and protecting the knee joint. Long bones, like the femur, are characterized by their elongated shape with growth plates at the ends. Short bones, such as those in the wrist and ankle, are cube-shaped bones. Irregular bones, like vertebrae, do not fit into the other bone shape categories due to their unique shapes and functions.

3. How does the Law of Conservation of Mass apply to this reaction: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O?

• A. Electrons are not lost.
• B. The hydrogen does not lose mass.
• C. New water molecules are formed.
• D. There is no decrease or increase in matter.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Law of Conservation of Mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. In the given reaction, 2 moles of hydrogen combine with 1 mole of oxygen to form 2 moles of water. The total mass of the reactants (hydrogen and oxygen) is equal to the total mass of the products (water), meaning there is no decrease or increase in matter. The total mass of the system remains constant, demonstrating the conservation of mass. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the conservation of mass does not specifically relate to electrons, individual elements (like hydrogen), or the formation of new molecules; instead, it focuses on the overall mass of the system before and after the reaction.

4. Which of the following describes a reflex arc?

• A. The storage and recall of memory
• B. The maintenance of visual and auditory acuity
• C. The autoregulation of heart rate and blood pressure
• D. A stimulus and response controlled by the spinal cord

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D correctly describes a reflex arc. A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex action. It involves a specific sequence of events that occur in response to a stimulus, which is rapidly and involuntarily processed by the spinal cord. The spinal cord coordinates the quick processing of sensory input and the generation of a motor response without involving the brain, allowing for rapid protective responses. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe a reflex arc. A reflex arc is specifically related to the rapid and involuntary response to a stimulus through neural pathways involving the spinal cord, not memory storage, visual and auditory acuity maintenance, or heart rate and blood pressure autoregulation.

5. Which of the following correctly identifies a difference between the primary and secondary immune response?

• A. In the secondary response, macrophages migrate to the lymph nodes to present the foreign microorganism to helper T lymphocytes.
• B. The humoral immunity that characterizes the primary response is coordinated by B lymphocytes.
• C. The primary response is quicker and more powerful than the secondary response.
• D. Suppressor T cells are activated in the secondary response to prevent an overactive immune response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The primary immune response is slower and less powerful compared to the secondary immune response. During the primary response, immune cells encounter the antigen for the first time, necessitating the activation and proliferation of specific immune cells. In contrast, the secondary response benefits from memory cells that quickly recognize the antigen, enabling a faster and more potent immune response. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While macrophages play a role in presenting antigens to T cells, this is not a defining difference between primary and secondary responses. Humoral immunity involves B lymphocytes in both primary and secondary responses, so it does not differentiate the two. Suppressor T cells primarily function to regulate the immune response but are not a key factor distinguishing primary from secondary responses.

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