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 SI unit of measurement for acceleration?

• A. Meters per second (m/s)
• B. Newton (N)
• C. Meters (m)
• D. Meters per second squared (m/s²)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The SI unit of measurement for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²). Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity over time. It is a vector quantity with dimensions of length per time squared. Meters per second squared (m/s²) represents the change in velocity (meters per second) over a specific time interval (seconds) squared. Choice A, meters per second (m/s), represents velocity, not acceleration. Choice B, Newton (N), is the unit of force. Choice C, Meters (m), represents only distance, not acceleration. Therefore, the correct unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²).

3. Why are negative feedback mechanisms crucial in the endocrine system?

• A. To increase hormone production continuously
• B. To maintain hormone levels within a specific range
• C. To cause a constant release of hormones
• D. To disrupt communication between glands

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Negative feedback mechanisms in the endocrine system play a vital role in maintaining hormone levels within a specific range. When hormone levels deviate from the set point, negative feedback signals prompt adjustments in hormone production to bring the levels back to the optimal range. This process ensures a delicate balance of hormones in the body, preventing excesses or deficiencies. Choice A is incorrect because continuously increasing hormone production would lead to imbalances. Choice C is incorrect as a constant release of hormones without regulation would disrupt homeostasis. Choice D is incorrect because disrupting communication between glands would hinder proper coordination and regulation of hormone levels, which is essential for the body's overall function.

4. What is the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and potassium hydroxide (KOH)?

• A. H2SO4 + KOH → K2SO4 + H2O
• B. 2H2SO4 + 2KOH → 2K2SO4 + 2H2O
• C. H2SO4 + 2KOH → K2SO4 + 2H2O
• D. H2SO4 + 2KOH → K2SO4 + H2O

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with potassium hydroxide (KOH), it forms potassium sulfate (K2SO4) and water (H2O). To balance the equation, 2 KOH molecules are required to react with 1 H2SO4 molecule, resulting in 1 K2SO4 molecule and 2 H2O molecules. Therefore, the balanced chemical equation is H2SO4 + 2KOH → K2SO4 + 2H2O, which corresponds to option C. Choice A is incorrect because it does not account for the correct stoichiometry between the reactants and products. Choice B incorrectly doubles all the molecules in the reaction, leading to an unbalanced equation. Choice D incorrectly balances the equation with 1 KOH molecule instead of the required 2 KOH molecules, making it unbalanced. Thus, option C is the correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide.

5. Which of the following organs is responsible for producing digestive enzymes?

• A. Liver
• B. Pancreas
• C. Gallbladder
• D. Esophagus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes to aid in the breakdown of food in the small intestine. These enzymes play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat. The liver is responsible for producing bile, not digestive enzymes. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, which aids in the digestion of fats. The esophagus is a muscular tube that helps in the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach and does not produce digestive enzymes.

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