Nursing Elites

1. The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear

• A. Pink
• B. Blue
• C. Red
• D. Purple

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.

2. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons to prevent overexcitation?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. GABA
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down neuronal activity, helping to prevent overexcitation in the brain. It counterbalances the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of neuronal activity in the brain. Acetylcholine (Choice A) is primarily an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and cognitive functions. Dopamine (Choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control. Serotonin (Choice D) is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep but is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

3. What is the function of platelets in the blood?

• A. To transport oxygen
• B. To clot blood
• C. To fight infection
• D. To transport nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Platelets play a crucial role in clotting blood to prevent excessive bleeding when injuries occur. They are responsible for initiating the coagulation process by forming clots at the site of injury, sealing the damaged blood vessels, and preventing further blood loss. Platelets do not primarily transport oxygen, fight infection, or transport nutrients. While red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen, white blood cells are involved in fighting infections, and nutrients are transported by plasma, platelets' main function is related to hemostasis and wound healing.

4. Which property of a substance describes its ability to conduct heat or electricity?

• A. Reactivity
• B. Conductivity
• C. Density
• D. Viscosity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Conductivity is the correct property that describes a substance's ability to conduct heat or electricity. Reactivity is related to how readily a substance undergoes chemical reactions, not its ability to conduct heat or electricity. Density refers to the mass per unit volume of a substance, which is different from its ability to conduct heat or electricity. Viscosity measures a substance's resistance to flow, not its ability to conduct heat or electricity.

5. Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Cerebrum. The cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, controls voluntary muscle movements, along with cognitive functions like thinking, perception, and decision-making. It is crucial for motor coordination and the regulation of voluntary movements. The Cerebellum (Choice B) is responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture, but not specifically for voluntary muscle movements. The Medulla oblongata (Choice C) is involved in controlling autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate, not voluntary muscle movements. The Thalamus (Choice D) acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not primarily responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements.

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