Nursing Elites

1. What is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney?

• A. Neuron
• B. Nephron
• C. Glomerulus
• D. Axon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Nephron. The nephron is indeed the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney. It is responsible for filtering blood, regulating electrolytes, maintaining fluid balance, and removing waste products. Choice A, Neuron, is incorrect as neurons are nerve cells, not specific to kidney function. Choice C, Glomerulus, is a component of the nephron but not the entire functional unit. Choice D, Axon, is a part of nerve cells and is not related to kidney structure or function.

2. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting which neurotransmitter?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in coordinating movement. The reduction of dopamine levels leads to the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Choice B, acetylcholine, is involved in functions like muscle contraction and autonomic nervous system regulation but is not primarily affected in Parkinson's disease. Serotonin (Choice C) is involved in mood regulation and sleep, not the main neurotransmitter affected in Parkinson's disease. Glutamate (Choice D) is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and is not primarily implicated in Parkinson's disease pathophysiology.

3. What information can be obtained directly from the element's atomic number?

• A. Its atomic mass
• B. Its position on the periodic table
• C. Its number of neutrons
• D. Its chemical properties

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The atomic number of an element represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number determines the element's unique identity and its position on the periodic table. The atomic mass (option A) is not directly determined by the atomic number but is a weighted average of the isotopes of an element. The number of neutrons (option C) is not directly provided by the atomic number but can be calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass. The position on the periodic table (option B) is directly related to the atomic number, as elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The chemical properties of an element (option D) are influenced by the number of protons in the nucleus, which is determined by the atomic number.

4. What is the function of the pharynx?

• A. Allow food and air to pass into the body
• B. Warm and moisten air during inhalation
• C. Create a chest cavity at the base of the lungs
• D. Provide structural support to the alveolar region

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Allow food and air to pass into the body.' The pharynx serves as a common pathway for both food and air. It connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus, enabling the passage of both food and air into their respective pathways. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the function of the pharynx. Option B is incorrect because the warming and moistening of air primarily occur in the nasal cavity and not in the pharynx. Option C is incorrect as the creation of a chest cavity is mainly related to the thoracic cavity, not the pharynx. Option D is also incorrect as the structural support to the alveolar region is provided by other structures like the alveoli and surrounding tissues, not the pharynx.

5. What does the phrase 'survival of the fittest' refer to?

• A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
• C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
• D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

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