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 happens to the gravitational potential energy of an object as it falls freely?

• A. It decreases
• B. It increases
• C. It remains constant
• D. It becomes zero

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It decreases.' When an object falls freely, its height decreases, resulting in a decrease in gravitational potential energy. The potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the object accelerates due to gravity. This conversion process continues until the object reaches the ground or its lowest point, where the gravitational potential energy is minimal or zero. Choice B is incorrect because gravitational potential energy decreases, not increases, during free fall. Choice C is incorrect as gravitational potential energy changes due to the change in height. Choice D is incorrect as the gravitational potential energy does not instantly become zero but decreases gradually as the object falls.

3. When animals eat, insulin is released from the pancreas, stimulating glucose uptake by the liver. When glucose levels drop, the pancreas reduces insulin release. This is an example of which mechanism for maintaining homeostasis?

• A. Negative feedback.
• B. Positive feedback.
• C. Stress response.
• D. Parasympathetic regulation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This mechanism is an example of negative feedback. Negative feedback systems work to counteract changes in the body and maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis). In this case, the release of insulin in response to high glucose levels is followed by a reduction in insulin release when glucose levels drop. This response helps regulate glucose levels and return them to a normal range, demonstrating the characteristic of negative feedback where the body's response opposes the initial stimulus to maintain equilibrium. Positive feedback would amplify the initial change rather than counteract it, so it is not the correct choice. Stress response and parasympathetic regulation are not directly involved in this glucose regulation process, making them incorrect choices.

4. What is the process called in which a substance changes from a gas to a liquid?

• A. Condensation.
• B. Evaporation.
• C. Sublimation.
• D. Vaporization.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Condensation is indeed the correct answer. It is the process by which a substance changes from a gas to a liquid. This occurs when the temperature of a gas decreases enough for its particles to lose energy and come together to form a liquid. On the other hand, evaporation is the process of a liquid changing to a gas. Sublimation is the direct transition of a substance from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase. Vaporization, on the other hand, is the general term for the process of a liquid changing to a gas, which includes both evaporation and boiling.

5. Which of the following is a major factor influencing the distribution of organisms geographically?

• A. The availability of specific types of food sources
• B. Tolerance of organisms to different temperature ranges
• C. Competition for mates within the same species
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The distribution of organisms geographically is influenced by various factors. The availability of specific types of food sources is crucial as organisms need suitable food sources to survive and thrive in an area. Tolerance of organisms to different temperature ranges is also important, as temperature impacts where species can live. Organisms must withstand temperature conditions to survive. Competition for mates within the same species affects population sizes and dynamics in different areas. Therefore, all these factors collectively influence the distribution of organisms geographically. Choice D, 'All of the above,' is the correct answer because each of the factors mentioned (availability of food sources, tolerance to temperature ranges, and competition for mates) plays a significant role in determining the distribution of organisms in different geographical locations. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they each only represent one specific factor that influences distribution, whereas the correct answer encompasses all the major factors mentioned.

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