Nursing Elites

1. What is the smallest bone in the human body?

• A. Stapes (Middle ear bone)
• B. Patella (Kneecap)
• C. Phalanges (Finger bones)
• D. Ribs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stapes (Middle ear bone). The stapes, located in the middle ear, is indeed the smallest bone in the human body. Despite its small size, the stapes is vital for hearing as it transmits and amplifies sound vibrations, contributing significantly to auditory perception. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The patella (kneecap) is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body, not the smallest bone. Phalanges are the bones in fingers and toes, not the smallest bone overall. Ribs are long bones that protect the chest cavity, not the smallest bone in the body.

2. What is one feature that both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have in common?

• A. A plasma membrane
• B. A nucleus enclosed by a membrane
• C. Organelles
• D. A nucleoid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A plasma membrane. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes share the characteristic of having a plasma membrane that surrounds the cell. While eukaryotes also possess a nucleus enclosed by a membrane and various organelles, prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. The plasma membrane, however, is a universal feature found in all cells, regardless of their classification as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Choice B is incorrect because only eukaryotes have a nucleus enclosed by a membrane. Choice C is incorrect because prokaryotes have limited organelles compared to eukaryotes. Choice D is incorrect as a nucleoid is a region in prokaryotic cells where the genetic material is located, not a common feature shared with eukaryotes.

3. Following successful heart transplant surgery, the patient's body will need to take medications to:

• A. Suppress the immune system and prevent rejection of the new heart.
• B. Reduce overall blood pressure.
• C. Dissolve any remaining blood clots.
• D. Stimulate the growth of new heart tissue.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After heart transplant surgery, the patient's body will need to take medications to suppress the immune system and prevent rejection of the new heart. This is essential to ensure that the body does not identify the transplanted heart as a foreign entity and mount an immune response against it, which could lead to transplant rejection and failure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because post-heart transplant medications primarily focus on preventing rejection by suppressing the immune system, rather than reducing blood pressure, dissolving blood clots, or stimulating the growth of new heart tissue.

4. How can a single gene mutation lead to multiple phenotypes depending on the organism?

• A. Pleiotropy describes the effect of one gene influencing multiple seemingly unrelated traits.
• B. Epigenetics involves environmental factors modifying gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
• C. Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population.
• D. Gene regulation controls the timing and level of gene expression within an organism.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A single gene mutation can lead to multiple phenotypes through pleiotropy, where one gene influences diverse traits or functions in an organism. This phenomenon occurs when the mutated gene affects different biochemical pathways, developmental processes, or cellular functions, resulting in a cascade of downstream effects that manifest as a variety of phenotypic outcomes. Choice B, epigenetics, involves modifications in gene expression influenced by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence, which is not directly related to the question about single gene mutations causing multiple phenotypes. Choice C, genetic drift, refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is unrelated to the impact of a single gene mutation on multiple phenotypes. Choice D, gene regulation, focuses on controlling the timing and level of gene expression within an organism, which is not directly addressing how a single gene mutation can lead to diverse phenotypes.

5. What is the scientific name for the tear gland?

• A. Lachrymal gland
• B. Lacrimal sac
• C. Lacrimal duct
• D. Lacrimal papilla

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lachrymal gland. The lachrymal gland, also known as the tear gland, is the almond-shaped gland located above each eye, responsible for producing tears. Tears are a complex mixture of water, electrolytes, proteins, and other substances that help lubricate and protect the eyes from dryness and irritation. Choice B, Lacrimal sac, is incorrect as it refers to a structure that collects tears from the eye. Choice C, Lacrimal duct, is incorrect as it is the tube that carries tears from the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity. Choice D, Lacrimal papilla, is incorrect as it is a small elevation at the inner corner of the eye where tears drain into the puncta.

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