Nursing Elites

1. What is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading?

• A. Diastolic pressure
• B. Systolic pressure
• C. Pulse rate
• D. Mean arterial pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diastolic pressure. The bottom number in a blood pressure reading represents the diastolic pressure, which indicates the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. This value is important in understanding the overall health of the cardiovascular system. Choice B, Systolic pressure, is the top number in a blood pressure reading and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting. Choice C, Pulse rate, refers to the number of times the heart beats in a minute. Choice D, Mean arterial pressure, is a calculated value using both systolic and diastolic pressures to provide an average pressure in the arteries during a cardiac cycle, but it is not the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

2. What is the primary mode of CO2 transport in the body?

• A. Bicarbonate
• B. Carbamino compounds
• C. None of these
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bicarbonate. In the body, the primary mode of CO2 transport is as bicarbonate. Carbon dioxide is converted to bicarbonate in red blood cells as part of the bicarbonate buffer system, which helps maintain the pH balance in the blood. Bicarbonate is then transported in the plasma to the lungs where it is converted back to carbon dioxide for exhalation. While carbamino compounds also play a role in CO2 transport by binding to amino groups on proteins, bicarbonate is the main mode of transport for carbon dioxide in the body. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary mechanism of CO2 transport in the body.

3. What is the primary difference between ionic and metallic bonding?

• A. Ionic bonds involve electron transfer, while metallic bonds involve electron sharing.
• B. Ionic bonds are weak and directional, while metallic bonds are strong and non-directional.
• C. Ionic bonds exist between metals and non-metals, while metallic bonds exist only between metals.
• D. Ionic bonds form discrete molecules, while metallic bonds form extended structures.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ionic bonds involve electron transfer, where one atom completely donates an electron to another, resulting in discrete molecules. On the other hand, metallic bonds are non-directional and strong, formed by a 'sea' of delocalized electrons shared among all metal atoms. This shared electron cloud allows for strong bonding throughout the entire material, making metallic bonds non-directional and strong compared to the directional and weaker nature of ionic bonds. Choice A is incorrect because metallic bonds do not involve electron sharing but rather the sharing of a sea of delocalized electrons. Choice C is incorrect as metallic bonds can also exist between metal atoms, not just between metals and non-metals. Choice D is incorrect because metallic bonds do not form discrete molecules but rather extended structures due to the sharing of electrons among all metal atoms.

4. What is the role of surfactant in the respiratory system?

• A. To trap dust particles
• B. To increase lung compliance
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To generate oxygen during respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To increase lung compliance. Surfactant is a substance produced by type II alveolar cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension in the alveoli. This reduction in surface tension helps to increase lung compliance, making it easier for the lungs to expand and contract during breathing. Improved lung compliance is essential for efficient gas exchange in the respiratory system, facilitating oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because surfactant does not trap dust particles, produce mucus, or generate oxygen during respiration. Instead, its primary function lies in reducing surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse and improve lung compliance for optimal gas exchange.

5. What is the function of the epiglottis?

• A. Produces saliva
• B. Senses taste
• C. Prevents food from entering the windpipe
• D. Filters blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action ensures that food and liquids are directed to the esophagus and down into the stomach, rather than entering the respiratory system, which could lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they describe functions of other structures in the body that are not related to the role of the epiglottis.

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