Nursing Elites

1. The muscular diaphragm plays a vital role in respiration. When it contracts, it:

• A. Increases lung volume for inhalation
• B. Decreases lung volume for exhalation
• C. Filters dust and particles from inhaled air
• D. Produces mucus to lubricate the airways

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The muscular diaphragm plays a crucial role in respiration by contracting and flattening during inhalation. This action increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, which leads to a decrease in pressure within the lungs, allowing air to rush in and fill the expanded space. Choice B is incorrect because the diaphragm contracting increases the lung volume for inhalation, not decreases it for exhalation. Choice C is incorrect as the role of filtering dust and particles is primarily performed by the respiratory system's other structures like the nasal passages and the mucous membranes. Choice D is incorrect as mucus production is mainly carried out by specialized cells in the respiratory system and not by the diaphragm.

2. What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

• A. Carries amino acids to the ribosomes
• B. Reads the genetic code on mRNA
• C. Forms the structural framework of ribosomes
• D. Controls the rate of protein synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a crucial role in forming the structural framework of ribosomes. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis and consist of both protein and rRNA components. The primary function of rRNA is to provide the structural support necessary for ribosomes to function properly. This structural framework allows the ribosome to interact with messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) during translation, where genetic information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble proteins from amino acids. Therefore, rRNA's main role is in contributing to the structure and function of ribosomes, rather than directly carrying amino acids, reading the genetic code, or controlling the rate of protein synthesis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because rRNA does not carry amino acids to the ribosomes (tRNA does this), read the genetic code (this is the role of ribosomes and tRNA), or control the rate of protein synthesis (this is regulated by various factors but not directly by rRNA).

3. What type of particle carries no charge and mediates the strong nuclear force between protons and neutrons?

• A. Electron
• B. Photon
• C. Gluon
• D. Neutrino

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gluon. Gluons are the particles responsible for mediating the strong nuclear force between protons and neutrons. They are the carriers of this force. Choice A, Electron, is incorrect as electrons are negatively charged. Choice B, Photon, is incorrect as photons are chargeless particles of light. Choice D, Neutrino, is incorrect as neutrinos are neutral particles with minimal mass and weak interactions with matter, not involved in mediating the strong nuclear force between protons and neutrons.

4. Which of the following glands produces hormones that regulate metabolism?

• A. Adrenal gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Thyroid gland
• D. Liver

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. One of the key hormones produced by the thyroid gland is thyroxine, which directly influences the body's metabolic rate. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland. The adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline, which are associated with the stress response and not primarily metabolic regulation. The pituitary gland regulates various other hormones but is not primarily responsible for metabolic regulation. The liver has a role in metabolism, mainly in processes like detoxification and nutrient storage, but it is not a gland that primarily produces hormones for metabolic regulation, making it an incorrect choice in this context.

5. How do killer T cells recognize infected cells?

• A. The B cells flag the infected cells with amino acids.
• B. Tiny bits of the virus's RNA are left around the cell.
• C. Macrophages show up to help consume the infected cell.
• D. The T cells have receptors that recognize the proteins the virus leaves on the surface of the cell.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Killer T cells recognize infected cells by detecting viral proteins displayed on the surface of these cells. The T cells possess receptors specifically designed to identify these viral proteins, allowing them to target and eliminate the infected cells. Choice A is incorrect because B cells are not directly involved in the recognition process of infected cells by killer T cells. Choice B is incorrect because tiny bits of the virus's RNA being left around the cell is not how killer T cells primarily recognize infected cells. Choice C is incorrect because while macrophages play a role in immune responses, they do not directly assist in the recognition of infected cells by killer T cells.

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