Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is not a component of the central nervous system?

• A. Brain
• B. Heart
• C. Retina
• D. Spinal cord

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting information. The retina, though part of the eye, is an extension of the central nervous system. However, the heart is part of the circulatory system, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Therefore, the correct answer is the heart as it is not a component of the central nervous system.

2. How do the intercostal muscles between the ribs assist with respiration?

• A. By protecting the delicate bronchioles and alveoli
• B. By signaling a decrease in intra-alveolar pressure
• C. By enlarging and reducing the space in the thorax
• D. By maintaining a medial separation between pleurae

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The intercostal muscles located between the ribs play a crucial role in respiration by aiding in the enlargement and reduction of the space in the thorax. During inspiration, these muscles contract, lifting the rib cage, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity and allows the lungs to expand and fill with air. This process directly relates to the expansion of the thorax rather than protecting bronchioles and alveoli (Choice A), signaling intra-alveolar pressure changes (Choice B), or maintaining the separation between pleurae (Choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is C.

3. Which type of blood cell is involved in clotting?

• A. Red blood cells
• B. White blood cells
• C. Platelets
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing. They are responsible for forming blood clots to stop bleeding when a blood vessel is injured, making them the correct choice in this context. Red blood cells (Choice A) are primarily involved in oxygen transport, white blood cells (Choice B) are part of the immune system, and plasma (Choice D) is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances.

4. What are muscle contractions that normally move food along the human digestive system known as?

• A. defecation
• B. osmosis
• C. peristalsis
• D. circulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscle contractions that move food along the human digestive system are known as peristalsis. Peristalsis consists of a series of coordinated muscular contractions and relaxations that help propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. Defecation refers to expelling waste from the body, osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane, and circulation relates to the movement of blood in the body's circulatory system, not directly involved in food transportation along the digestive tract.

5. Which hormone is involved in the fight or flight response?

• A. Cortisol
• B. Adrenaline
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Melatonin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adrenaline. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is the hormone involved in the fight or flight response. It is released by the adrenal glands, preparing the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores. Choice A, Cortisol, is a hormone released in response to stress but is not directly involved in the fight or flight response. Choice C, Thyroxine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and growth, not specifically associated with the fight or flight response. Choice D, Melatonin, is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is not involved in the fight or flight response.

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