Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes eosinophils?

• A. A type of granulocyte that secretes histamine to stimulate the inflammatory response.
• B. The most abundant type of white blood cell that secretes substances toxic to pathogens.
• C. A type of granulocyte found under mucous membranes that defends against multicellular parasites.
• D. A circulating granulocyte with high phagocytic activity and aggressiveness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Eosinophils are best described as a type of granulocyte found under mucous membranes that defends against multicellular parasites. They release toxic substances to combat parasitic infections and play a significant role in allergic reactions and asthma. Histamine secretion to stimulate inflammation is more characteristic of basophils, while high phagocytic activity and aggressiveness are features of neutrophils, not eosinophils. Describing eosinophils as the most abundant type of white blood cell that secretes toxic substances to pathogens is inaccurate since eosinophils specifically target multicellular parasites, not a broad range of pathogens.

2. The small intestine is where most of the chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occur. What is the finger-like projection in the small intestine that increases its surface area for absorption?

• A. Rugae
• B. Villi
• C. Microvilli
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Microvilli are the finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase its surface area for absorption. Villi are also present in the small intestine and help increase the surface area for absorption. However, microvilli are smaller structures found on the surface of villi, further increasing the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Rugae are folds in the stomach that allow for expansion when food is consumed and are not found in the small intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Microvilli. Villi and microvilli are specific to the small intestine, playing vital roles in nutrient absorption, while rugae are specific to the stomach's structure and function, serving a different purpose than increasing surface area for absorption.

3. What type of genetic variation is caused by changes in the DNA sequence?

• A. Epigenetic variation
• B. Phenotypic variation
• C. Genotypic variation
• D. Behavioral variation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Epigenetic variation refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence itself. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors. B) Phenotypic variation refers to differences in observable traits or characteristics of an organism, which can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. C) Genotypic variation is caused by changes in the DNA sequence, such as mutations or genetic recombination. These changes directly impact the genetic information carried by an organism. D) Behavioral variation refers to differences in behavior among individuals of the same species, which can be influenced by genetic, environmental, and experiential factors.

4. What is the study of the geographical distribution of organisms and the factors that influence it known as?

• A. Paleontology (the study of fossils)
• B. Taxonomy (the classification of organisms)
• C. Biogeography
• D. Population genetics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Biogeography is the scientific discipline that focuses on studying the geographical distribution of organisms and the factors that influence their patterns of distribution. This field investigates the reasons behind why species are located where they are, taking into account historical events, ecological interactions, and physical geography. Paleontology (option A) specifically deals with the study of fossils and the history of life on Earth, mainly focusing on extinct organisms. Taxonomy (option B) is the science that involves classifying and naming organisms based on their characteristics. Population genetics (option D) is concerned with the study of genetic variation and evolutionary processes within populations of organisms. Therefore, in the context of studying the distribution of organisms across space and time, biogeography is the most appropriate choice.

5. How does ingested food move through the digestive tract?

• A. Chewing, digestion, absorption
• B. Swallowing, peristalsis, segmentation
• C. Swallowing, mastication, defecation
• D. Digestion, absorption, excretion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Swallowing, peristalsis, segmentation. Food moves through the digestive tract by first being swallowed, then undergoing peristalsis (wave-like movements that propel food along the digestive tract), and finally undergoing segmentation (mixing movements in the intestines). Chewing and digestion occur in the mouth and stomach, respectively, while absorption and excretion happen later in the digestive process. Choice A is incorrect as absorption is a later stage in the process. Choice C is incorrect because defecation is the elimination of waste, not the movement of food. Choice D is incorrect as excretion is the elimination of waste products, not the movement of ingested food through the digestive tract.

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