Nursing Elites

1. The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is an example of a:

• A. Sesamoid bone
• B. Long bone
• C. Short bone
• D. Irregular bone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patella, also known as the kneecap, is an example of a sesamoid bone. Sesamoid bones develop within tendons, such as the patellar tendon in this case. The patella is embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps muscle, enhancing the mechanical advantage of the muscle and protecting the knee joint. Long bones, like the femur, are characterized by their elongated shape with growth plates at the ends. Short bones, such as those in the wrist and ankle, are cube-shaped bones. Irregular bones, like vertebrae, do not fit into the other bone shape categories due to their unique shapes and functions.

2. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

3. What is the term for the small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) takes place?

• A. Bronchi
• B. Alveoli
• C. Trachea
• D. Bronchioles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alveoli. The alveoli are the small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from the air we breathe passes into the bloodstream through the alveoli, while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream passes out of the body through the alveoli. Choice A, Bronchi, are the main airways in the lungs and not the site of gas exchange. Choice C, Trachea, refers to the windpipe, which is a different structure than the alveoli. Choice D, Bronchioles, are smaller airways branching off from the bronchi and are not where gas exchange primarily occurs.

4. Which of the following terms describes the enlargement of an organ or tissue?

• A. Dystrophy
• B. Atrophy
• C. Hypertrophy
• D. Eutrophy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of an organ or tissue, typically due to an increase in the size of individual cells. This can occur in response to increased workload, hormonal stimulation, or other factors. On the other hand, dystrophy refers to the degeneration and deterioration of tissue, atrophy describes the decrease in the size of an organ or tissue, and eutrophy denotes a state of normal nutrition or growth. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Hypertrophy' as it specifically relates to the increase in size or volume of an organ or tissue.

5. What happens when an atom loses an electron?

• A. It forms a molecule.
• B. It gains a positive charge and becomes an ion.
• C. It alters its elemental identity.
• D. No change occurs; it remains neutral.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an atom loses an electron, it gains a positive charge and becomes an ion. This occurs because the number of protons in the atom exceeds the number of electrons, leading to a positive charge. Therefore, the atom undergoes a transformation into an ion by losing an electron. Choice A is incorrect because losing an electron does not result in the formation of a molecule, as molecules are made up of bonded atoms. Choice C is incorrect because losing an electron does not change the fundamental identity of the atom; it only changes its charge. Choice D is incorrect because losing an electron causes the atom to become positively charged, altering its neutrality.

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