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. What is the basic unit of communication in the nervous system?

• A. Neuron
• B. Astrocyte
• C. Neurotransmitter
• D. Synapse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A neuron is the basic unit of communication in the nervous system. Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that provide support and nourishment to neurons but do not participate in signal transmission. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that facilitate signal transmission between neurons, and synapses are the specific junctions where these signals are transmitted. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Neuron' as it is the primary cell involved in transmitting information in the nervous system.

3. Which of the following is an example of a nosocomial infection?

• A. The common cold contracted from a family member
• B. A urinary tract infection (UTI) acquired during a catheterization
• C. A fungal skin infection from contaminated soil
• D. Food poisoning from undercooked chicken

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A nosocomial infection, also known as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI), is an infection that is acquired in a healthcare setting. In this case, a UTI acquired during a catheterization procedure is a classic example of a nosocomial infection. Catheterization involves the insertion of a tube into the urinary tract, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary system and lead to an infection. Nosocomial infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings due to the potential for increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Let's review the other options: A) The common cold contracted from a family member - This is not a nosocomial infection as it is acquired outside of a healthcare setting. C) A fungal skin infection from contaminated soil - This is not a nosocomial infection as it is acquired from environmental exposure, not in a healthcare setting.

4. According to the periodic table, which of the following elements is the least reactive?

• A. Fluorine
• B. Silicon
• C. Neon
• D. Gallium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neon is the least reactive among the given elements because it belongs to the noble gases group in the periodic table. Noble gases have a full valence shell of electrons, making them highly stable and least likely to react with other elements. Fluorine is the most reactive non-metal due to its high electronegativity. Silicon is a metalloid with moderate reactivity, falling between metals and nonmetals. Gallium is a metal with higher reactivity compared to Neon, but it is not as reactive as Fluorine.

5. Which structure do cells rely on for movement?

• A. Flagellum
• B. Microtubule
• C. Pili
• D. Vesicle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flagellum. Cells rely on flagella for movement, which are whip-like structures that propel the cell forward through their whipping motion. Flagella provide motility to single-celled organisms and certain cells in multicellular organisms. Microtubules, on the other hand, provide structural support to the cell and play a role in intracellular transport. Pili are short, hair-like structures used for attachment to surfaces or other cells, not for movement. Vesicles are membrane-bound sacs involved in intracellular transport, aiding in the movement of substances within the cell, but not in the movement of the cell itself.

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