Nursing Elites

1. Homologous structures are similar structures in different organisms that have a common evolutionary origin. An example is:

• A. Butterfly wings and bird wings (analogous structures with different origins)
• B. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale
• C. The eyes of an octopus and a human (convergent evolution with different origins)
• D. The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus (unrelated structures)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Homologous structures are similar structures found in different organisms that share a common evolutionary origin. The arm of a human, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale are all examples of homologous structures. Despite serving different functions, they share a common underlying structure due to their evolutionary relationship, evidencing a shared ancestry. These structures are modified over time to suit the specific needs of each species. Option A (Butterfly wings and bird wings) refers to analogous structures with different origins. Option C (The eyes of an octopus and a human) describes convergent evolution where traits evolve independently. Option D (The stinger of a bee and the barb of a cactus) are unrelated structures.

2. What is the main function of red blood cells?

• A. Transport oxygen
• B. Transport carbon dioxide
• C. Regulate blood pressure
• D. Regulate heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transport oxygen. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to cells throughout the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration and energy production in the body. Red blood cells do not regulate blood pressure or heart rate; their main role is oxygen transport. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because red blood cells do not transport carbon dioxide, regulate blood pressure, or regulate heart rate. These functions are primarily carried out by other components of the circulatory and regulatory systems.

3. What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

• A. Active immunity is short-lived, while passive immunity is long-lasting.
• B. Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, while passive immunity provides immediate protection through antibodies from another source.
• C. Active immunity only protects against bacterial infections, while passive immunity works against both bacteria and viruses.
• D. Passive immunity requires repeated vaccinations, while active immunity is a one-time process.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, where the individual's immune system produces antibodies in response to exposure to a pathogen or vaccine. This type of immunity is long-lasting because the immune system 'remembers' the pathogen and can mount a rapid response upon re-exposure. In contrast, passive immunity provides immediate protection through the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from another source, such as through maternal antibodies crossing the placenta or receiving antibodies through an injection. Passive immunity is short-lived because the transferred antibodies eventually degrade and are not produced by the recipient's immune system. Choice A is incorrect because active immunity is generally long-lasting, as it involves the production of antibodies by the individual's immune system. Choice C is incorrect as both active and passive immunity can work against various pathogens, not limited to bacteria or viruses. Choice D is incorrect as passive immunity does not require repeated vaccinations but provides temporary protection through the transfer of antibodies from an external source.

4. When making a dilution, what do you do?

• A. Add more solvent to a concentrated solution
• B. Change the temperature of the solution
• C. Decrease the concentration of a solution
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When making a dilution, you decrease the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent to a concentrated solution. This process does not involve changing the temperature of the solution, so option B is incorrect. Option A is also incorrect because you are not adding more solute to the solution during dilution. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Decrease the concentration of a solution. Options A and B are incorrect as dilution involves adding more solvent, not solute, and does not require changing the temperature of the solution.

5. Which type of muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs, such as the stomach and intestines, and is responsible for involuntary contractions to propel substances through the organs?

• A. Cardiac muscle
• B. Smooth muscle
• C. Skeletal muscle
• D. Striated muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach and intestines, where it performs involuntary contractions to move substances through these organs. Cardiac muscle, found in the heart, is responsible for pumping blood. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and involved in voluntary movements. Striated muscle is a term often used interchangeably with skeletal muscle, which is responsible for voluntary movements but not typically found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach and intestines.

Similar Questions