Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

• A. Carries amino acids to the ribosomes
• B. Reads the genetic code on mRNA
• C. Forms the structural framework of ribosomes
• D. Controls the rate of protein synthesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a crucial role in forming the structural framework of ribosomes. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis and consist of both protein and rRNA components. The primary function of rRNA is to provide the structural support necessary for ribosomes to function properly. This structural framework allows the ribosome to interact with messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) during translation, where genetic information encoded in mRNA is used to assemble proteins from amino acids. Therefore, rRNA's main role is in contributing to the structure and function of ribosomes, rather than directly carrying amino acids, reading the genetic code, or controlling the rate of protein synthesis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because rRNA does not carry amino acids to the ribosomes (tRNA does this), read the genetic code (this is the role of ribosomes and tRNA), or control the rate of protein synthesis (this is regulated by various factors but not directly by rRNA).

2. Which of the following is the neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom?

• A. Electron
• B. Proton
• C. Neutron
• D. Positron

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Neutron. Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom that have no charge. They have a mass of approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus contributes to the mass number of the atom, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Choice A, Electron, is incorrect as electrons are negatively charged particles found outside the nucleus. Choice B, Proton, is incorrect as protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus. Choice D, Positron, is incorrect as positrons are positively charged antiparticles of electrons and are not typically found in the nucleus of an atom.

3. What term describes a series of muscle contractions that transports food down the digestive tract in a wave-like fashion?

• A. digestion
• B. deglutition
• C. defecation
• D. peristalsis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the series of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract in a wave-like manner. This process helps propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestion (Choice A) refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, deglutition (Choice B) is the act of swallowing, and defecation (Choice C) is the elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term to describe the described muscle contractions in the digestive system.

4. Which valve prevents the return of blood into the right ventricle?

• A. Pulmonary semilunar valve
• B. Aortic semilunar valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary semilunar valve. The pulmonary semilunar valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It opens to allow blood to be pumped into the pulmonary artery but closes to prevent blood from returning back into the right ventricle. The aortic semilunar valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. Therefore, the pulmonary semilunar valve is the specific valve responsible for preventing the backflow of blood into the right ventricle during the cardiac cycle.

5. Where would a nonpregnant patient with normal anatomy most commonly have pain in acute appendicitis?

• A. Right upper quadrant.
• B. Left upper quadrant.
• C. Right lower quadrant.
• D. Left lower quadrant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In acute appendicitis, nonpregnant patients with normal anatomy commonly experience pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The pain usually starts around the umbilicus or epigastric area and then migrates to the right lower quadrant as inflammation progresses in the appendix. This classic migration of pain is known as McBurney's point tenderness and is a key clinical feature in diagnosing appendicitis.

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