Nursing Elites

1. How many neurons typically comprise a sensory pathway?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A sensory pathway generally consists of three neurons: a first-order neuron, a second-order neuron, and a third-order neuron. The first-order neuron carries sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord or brainstem. The second-order neuron then transmits this information to the thalamus or cerebellum. Finally, the third-order neuron projects the sensory input to the cerebral cortex for processing and perception. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 (C). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical structure of a sensory pathway involving three neurons.

2. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Norepinephrine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

3. What is the smallest unit that can encode for a trait?

• A. A codon
• B. A gene
• C. A nucleotide
• D. A chromosome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - a gene. Genes are the smallest units that can encode for a trait as they contain the specific instructions for producing a particular characteristic or protein. While codons are sequences of nucleotides that code for specific amino acids in a protein, they are not the smallest unit that encodes for a trait. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, and chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins, containing many genes.

4. Which of the following is a common property of bases?

• A. Conductivity in aqueous solutions
• B. Sour taste
• C. Reactivity with metals to produce hydrogen gas
• D. Turns red litmus paper blue

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bases are substances that can accept protons or donate hydroxide ions in a chemical reaction. One common property of bases is that they turn red litmus paper blue. This is a classic test to distinguish between acids (which turn blue litmus paper red) and bases. Conductivity in aqueous solutions (Option A) is a property of both acids and bases, but not unique to bases alone. Sour taste (Option B) is a property commonly associated with acids, not bases. Reactivity with metals to produce hydrogen gas (Option C) is a property of acids, particularly strong acids, but not bases.

5. Which represents the correct order of airflow in the lungs?

• A. Bronchi, trachea, alveoli, bronchioles
• B. Alveoli, bronchioles, bronchi, trachea
• C. Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
• D. Bronchioles, alveoli, trachea, bronchi

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct order of airflow in the lungs starts with air entering through the trachea, moving into the bronchi, then proceeding to the bronchioles, and finally reaching the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Therefore, the correct sequence is Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles, Alveoli, making choice C the accurate representation of the airflow in the lungs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the anatomical path of airflow in the lungs as air moves from the trachea to the bronchi, then bronchioles, and finally the alveoli for gas exchange.

Similar Questions