Nursing Elites

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

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Systolic pressure. In a blood pressure reading, the first number represents the systolic pressure, which is the maximum pressure in the arteries during heart contraction. The second number in the reading is the diastolic pressure, which indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse rate are not the first numbers in a blood pressure reading.

2. Which part of the brain plays a crucial role in the regulation of balance, coordination, and posture?

• A. Thalamus
• B. Cerebrum
• C. Cerebellum
• D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The cerebellum is the part of the brain that plays a crucial role in the regulation of balance, coordination, and posture. It receives information from the sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to coordinate voluntary movements. While the thalamus is involved in relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, the cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action. The hypothalamus is involved in various bodily functions including the regulation of body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but it is not primarily responsible for balance, coordination, and posture. Therefore, the correct answer is the cerebellum.

3. What is the structure that attaches to each chromosome during mitosis?

• A. Centromere
• B. Telomere
• C. Spindle apparatus
• D. Nucleolus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the centromere. It is the structure that attaches to each chromosome during mitosis. The centromere serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers during cell division, ensuring proper distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells. Telomeres are found at the ends of chromosomes, providing protection and stability. The spindle apparatus is responsible for separating chromosomes during cell division. The nucleolus, located within the nucleus, is involved in ribosomal RNA synthesis and not in chromosome attachment during mitosis.

4. What is the technical term for the free edges of your fingernails and toenails?

• A. Lunula (The lunula is the white crescent moon shape at the base of the nail)
• B. Matrix (The matrix is the area under the nail where new nail cells are produced)
• C. Hyponychium (This is the skin under the free edge of the nail)
• D. Free edge

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, hyponychium. The hyponychium is the skin under the free edge of the nail, responsible for sealing the nail to the fingertip and protecting the nail bed from bacteria and debris. The lunula (choice A) refers to the white crescent moon shape at the base of the nail. The matrix (choice B) is the area under the nail where new nail cells are produced. The free edge (choice D) is the part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip or toe.

5. What is the main function of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland?

• A. Stimulate metabolism and heat production
• B. Increase calcium absorption from the intestines
• C. Enhance bone growth and development
• D. Lower blood calcium levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that primarily functions to lower blood calcium levels. It achieves this by inhibiting bone breakdown and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it reflects the main role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the primary function of calcitonin. Calcitonin does not stimulate metabolism and heat production (Choice A), increase calcium absorption from the intestines (Choice B), or enhance bone growth and development (Choice C).

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