Nursing Elites

1. Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through which of the following structures?

• A. Schwann cell
• B. ganglion
• C. synapse
• D. axon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through a structure called the synapse. The synapse is a specialized junction where the axon of one neuron meets the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal between the two neurons. Choice A, Schwann cell, is incorrect as Schwann cells are responsible for producing myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system, not for transmitting neurotransmitters between neurons. Choice B, ganglion, is incorrect as ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system and do not directly participate in the transmission of chemical messages between neurons. Choice D, axon, is incorrect as the axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, but it is not the structure across which neurotransmitters travel to communicate between neurons.

2. During which of the following stages does crossing over occur?

• A. Mitosis Prophase
• B. Meiosis Prophase I
• C. Meiosis Prophase II
• D. Interphase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Crossing over occurs during Prophase I of meiosis. This stage is specifically associated with genetic recombination, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This process contributes to genetic diversity by creating new combinations of alleles. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. In mitosis, crossing over does not occur as it involves the separation of replicated chromosomes. Meiosis Prophase II is focused on the reformation of nuclei and does not involve crossing over. Interphase is a stage where the cell prepares for division and is not associated with crossing over.

3. What energy transformation occurs when a guitar string vibrates to produce sound?

• A. Mechanical energy to thermal energy
• B. Kinetic energy to potential energy
• C. Electrical energy to sound energy
• D. Potential energy to kinetic energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a guitar string vibrates to produce sound, the energy transformation that occurs is from potential energy (stored energy in the string when it is stretched) to kinetic energy (energy of motion as the string vibrates back and forth). As the string vibrates, its kinetic energy is transferred to the surrounding air molecules, producing sound energy. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A, mechanical energy to thermal energy, does not align with the energy transformation involved in producing sound from a vibrating guitar string. Choice B, kinetic energy to potential energy, is the opposite of what happens when a guitar string vibrates. Choice C, electrical energy to sound energy, is not relevant to the energy conversion process in this scenario.

4. How are the frequency and wavelength of a wave related?

• A. Inversely proportional
• B. Directly proportional
• C. No relationship
• D. Dependent on the medium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that the frequency and wavelength of a wave are inversely proportional. This relationship is defined by the wave equation: speed = frequency x wavelength. When the frequency of a wave increases, its wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This means that as one quantity increases, the other decreases in a consistent manner, illustrating an inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength. Choice B, 'Directly proportional,' is incorrect because an increase in frequency does not lead to an increase in wavelength; they move in opposite directions. Choice C, 'No relationship,' is incorrect as frequency and wavelength are interconnected as described above. Choice D, 'Dependent on the medium,' is incorrect because the relationship between frequency and wavelength is a fundamental property of waves and is not solely determined by the medium through which the wave propagates.

5. What is the waste product of protein digestion?

• A. Glucose
• B. Amino acids
• C. Fatty acids
• D. Ammonia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The waste product of protein digestion is ammonia. Protein digestion breaks down proteins into amino acids, and during this process, ammonia is produced. Ammonia is toxic and needs to be converted into urea in the liver for excretion via urine. Glucose is a product of carbohydrate digestion, amino acids are building blocks of proteins, and fatty acids are the end products of fat digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is ammonia.

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