Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the placenta during pregnancy?

• A. Produce insulin
• B. Facilitate gas exchange between mother and fetus
• C. Excrete waste products from the fetus
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the placenta during pregnancy is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the mother and the fetus. This ensures that the fetus receives oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide, supporting its growth and development. While the placenta also allows for the transfer of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the fetus, its main role is to ensure proper gas exchange. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the primary role of the placenta is not to produce insulin or excrete waste products from the fetus. Selecting the correct answer, choice B, highlights the crucial role of the placenta in providing oxygen to the fetus and removing carbon dioxide, which are essential for fetal well-being and development.

2. How is the muscular system benefited by regular exercise?

• A. Decreasing muscle mass
• B. Improving muscle strength and endurance
• C. Making muscles less flexible
• D. Increasing the risk of muscle tears

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Regular exercise is beneficial for the muscular system by improving muscle strength and endurance. Exercise helps to build and maintain muscle mass, increase muscle strength, and enhance muscle endurance. It does not decrease muscle mass, make muscles less flexible, or increase the risk of muscle tears when done properly. Therefore, the correct answer is improving muscle strength and endurance, as it aligns with the positive effects of regular exercise on the muscular system.

3. Vacuoles are large sacs for storage in plant cells. What is their main function in animal cells?

• A. Protein synthesis
• B. Waste storage and disposal
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Cellular respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vacuoles in animal cells primarily function in waste storage and disposal, helping to maintain cellular homeostasis by storing waste products and aiding in their removal from the cell. Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not typically use vacuoles for storage purposes such as water, nutrients, or pigments. Instead, animal cells rely on other organelles like lysosomes for waste management and maintaining cellular balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts (absent in animal cells), and cellular respiration mainly occurs in mitochondria, respectively. Vacuoles in animal cells serve a different purpose compared to plant cells.

4. When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes a(n):

• A. Molecule
• B. Isotope
• C. Ion
• D. Compound

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. Gaining or losing electrons alters the atom's electron count and charge, creating a positively or negatively charged ion. A molecule is formed when two or more atoms are chemically bonded. An isotope is a variation of an element with a different number of neutrons. A compound consists of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.

5. Which muscles play a significant role in the process of forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. External intercostal muscles
• C. Internal intercostal muscles
• D. Abdominal muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The abdominal muscles play a significant role in forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume. When these muscles contract, the pressure within the thoracic cavity increases, assisting in the expulsion of air from the lungs. This action helps to compress the abdomen and push the diaphragm upwards, further decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and aiding in the exhalation process. The diaphragm (Choice A) is mainly involved in inhalation by contracting and moving downward to increase thoracic cavity volume. External intercostal muscles (Choice B) and internal intercostal muscles (Choice C) are primarily involved in the process of inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity during normal breathing, rather than forced exhalation.

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