Nursing Elites

1. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize a key property of positrons for medical imaging. What is this property?

• A. High mass
• B. Positive charge
• C. Extreme stability
• D. Identical behavior to electrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize the property of positrons having a positive charge. Positrons are the antimatter counterpart of electrons, having the same mass but opposite charge. When a positron collides with an electron, they annihilate each other, producing gamma rays that can be detected by the PET scanner to create images of the body's internal structures and functions. Choice A is incorrect because positrons have the same mass as electrons. Choice C is incorrect as positrons are not extremely stable due to their tendency to annihilate when they encounter electrons. Choice D is incorrect as positrons exhibit different behavior than electrons due to their opposite charges.

2. What is the main function of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland?

• A. Stimulate metabolism and heat production
• B. Increase calcium absorption from the intestines
• C. Enhance bone growth and development
• D. Lower blood calcium levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that primarily functions to lower blood calcium levels. It achieves this by inhibiting bone breakdown and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it reflects the main role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the primary function of calcitonin. Calcitonin does not stimulate metabolism and heat production (Choice A), increase calcium absorption from the intestines (Choice B), or enhance bone growth and development (Choice C).

3. Which of the following is specialized tissue in the right atrium that acts as the heart’s natural pacemaker by generating the electrical signal for the heartbeat?

• A. sinus venosus
• B. sinoatrial node
• C. atrioventricular node
• D. tricuspid valve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sinoatrial node, often referred to as the SA node, is specialized tissue located in the right atrium of the heart. It functions as the heart's natural pacemaker by generating the electrical signal that initiates each heartbeat. This electrical signal spreads to the atrial muscles and then to the atrioventricular node, causing the heart to contract rhythmically and efficiently. The other options listed do not serve as the heart's natural pacemaker responsible for generating the electrical signal for the heartbeat. Sinus venosus is a developmental structure in fetal hearts, the atrioventricular node delays the electrical signal, and the tricuspid valve is a heart valve that prevents backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium.

4. What are the primary processes involved in breathing?

• A. Inspiration and Expiration
• B. Inhalation and Exhalation
• C. Respiration and Circulation
• D. Inspiration and Respiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary processes involved in breathing are inspiration (inhaling air) and expiration (exhaling air). Inspiration is the process of taking air into the lungs, while expiration is the process of expelling air from the lungs. These two phases are crucial for gas exchange, where oxygen is taken in during inspiration and carbon dioxide is expelled during expiration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they either combine inspiration with respiration or include unrelated processes like respiration and circulation. Therefore, the correct pair of processes involved in breathing is A, inspiration and expiration.

5. A researcher is studying the response of bacteria to a certain chemical. In three experiments, the bacteria swim towards the chemical, and in one experiment, the bacteria swim away from it. What would be the most appropriate next step for the researcher?

• A. Report only the first three experiments.
• B. Report all the experiments, but refrain from making any conclusions.
• C. Repeat the experiment several more times and apply a statistical analysis to the data.
• D. Repeat the experiment, adding a new chemical to determine its effect on the bacteria.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Repeating the experiment multiple times and applying statistical analysis would help ensure the results are reliable. By doing so, the researcher can validate the observed trends and determine the significance of the bacteria's response to the chemical. This approach would enhance the credibility of the findings and allow for more robust conclusions to be drawn. Reporting only the first three experiments (Choice A) would overlook critical data that could provide a comprehensive understanding of the bacteria's response. Refraining from making any conclusions (Choice B) would not utilize the available data effectively. Adding a new chemical in a repeated experiment (Choice D) would deviate from focusing on analyzing the response to the original chemical, introducing unnecessary variables.

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