Nursing Elites

1. What is the approximate composition of blood?

• A. 45% plasma, 55% formed elements
• B. 55% plasma, 45% formed elements
• C. 55% water, 45% blood cells
• D. 45% water, 55% plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Blood is composed of approximately 55% plasma (mostly water with proteins, electrolytes, and nutrients) and 45% formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Choice B is the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect as it reverses the percentages. Choice C is incorrect because it incorrectly states that blood cells make up 45% of blood, while they are part of the formed elements along with platelets. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that water makes up 45% of blood, which is not accurate.

2. Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brainstem and is responsible for controlling vital involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The cerebrum, although the largest part of the brain, is primarily responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary muscle movements. The cerebellum is involved in coordination, balance, and muscle control. The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly responsible for regulating involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate. Therefore, the correct answer is the medulla oblongata.

3. 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.

4. What is the breakdown product of creatine phosphate, an energy source used for short bursts of muscle activity?

• A. Glucose
• B. Lactic acid
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Creatine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Creatine phosphate is utilized as an immediate energy source for short bursts of muscle activity. When it breaks down, it yields lactic acid as a byproduct. Lactic acid accumulation during intense exercise can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness. Therefore, the correct answer is lactic acid. The other choices are incorrect: Glucose is a different energy source derived from carbohydrates; Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular respiration, not specifically from creatine phosphate breakdown; Creatine is the precursor compound to creatine phosphate and is not the breakdown product.

5. What term describes the phenomenon of two waves canceling each other out when they meet?

• A. Refraction
• B. Diffraction
• C. Destructive interference
• D. Constructive interference

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Destructive interference is the term used to describe the phenomenon when two waves meet and their amplitudes are such that they cancel each other out, resulting in a wave with a smaller amplitude or no wave at all. This cancellation effect occurs due to the waves being out of phase. This is in contrast to constructive interference, where two waves combine to produce a wave with a larger amplitude. Refraction is the bending of waves as they pass through different mediums, such as light passing through glass, while diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings. In this case, the concept described in the question specifically aligns with destructive interference, making it the correct answer.

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