Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the sinuses?

• A. To trap many airborne pathogens
• B. To direct air down the trachea rather than the esophagus
• C. To warm, humidify, and filter air
• D. To sweep away pathogens and direct them toward the top of the trachea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct function of the sinuses is to warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe. Sinuses play a crucial role in preparing the air for the respiratory system by adding moisture, warmth, and filtering out particles. Choice A is incorrect because while sinuses can help filter some particles, their primary function is not to trap pathogens. Choice B is incorrect as the sinuses do not control the direction of air down the trachea; this is regulated by the epiglottis and vocal cords. Choice D is incorrect as sinuses do not sweep pathogens away or direct them towards the trachea; instead, they condition the air for respiration.

2. Which of the following is a true statement about dominance in genetics?

• A. All genes adhere to Mendel’s law of dominance.
• B. A dominant allele will always be expressed.
• C. When two dominant alleles are present, the resulting phenotype will express both traits.
• D. There are three or more alleles possible for all genes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In genetics, dominance refers to the relationship between two different alleles of a gene where one allele (dominant) masks the expression of another allele (recessive) in an individual's phenotype. The correct statement about dominance is that a dominant allele will always be expressed in the phenotype, even in the presence of a recessive allele. This means that if an individual has at least one dominant allele for a particular trait, that trait will be expressed. Choice A is incorrect because not all genes follow Mendel’s law of dominance; exceptions do exist. Choice C is incorrect because when two dominant alleles are present, only one will be expressed due to complete dominance. Choice D is incorrect as there can be more than three alleles for a gene, and not all genes have three or more alleles.

3. What are fingernails and toenails primarily made of?

• A. Collagen (Collagen is found in the dermis)
• B. Keratin
• C. Melanin (Melanin provides pigment, not structure)
• D. Sebum (Sebum is an oily substance)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fingernails and toenails are primarily made of a protein called keratin. Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein that provides structure and strength to nails, hair, and the outer layer of skin. Collagen, as mentioned, is found in the dermis and is not the primary component of nails. Melanin provides pigment to the skin and hair, not the structure of nails. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the skin's sebaceous glands and is not a structural component of nails.

4. What element is responsible for the red color of blood?

• A. Magnesium
• B. Iron
• C. Copper
• D. Zinc

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Iron. Hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, contains iron in its heme group, contributing to the blood's characteristic red color. Magnesium (choice A), copper (choice C), and zinc (choice D) are not responsible for the red color of blood. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in various physiological processes, copper is a trace element important for enzyme function, and zinc is a micronutrient essential for multiple cellular functions but not related to the red color of blood.

5. 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.

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