Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?

• A. To carry oxygen
• B. To clot blood
• C. To fight infection
• D. To transport nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To clot blood.' Platelets play a crucial role in the clotting process, forming a plug at the site of blood vessel injury to prevent excessive bleeding. While red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells fight infection, and nutrients are transported by plasma, platelets are specifically responsible for blood clotting. Choice A is incorrect because red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen. Choice C is incorrect because white blood cells are primarily involved in fighting infection. Choice D is incorrect as the transport of nutrients is mainly carried out by plasma, not platelets.

2. What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

• A. To provide structural support for the cell
• B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
• C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.

3. Which part of the brain is responsible for voluntary muscle movements?

• A. Medulla oblongata
• B. Cerebrum
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The question inquires about the brain region responsible for voluntary muscle movements. The correct answer is the Cerebrum. The cerebrum is the main part of the brain involved in voluntary muscle control and motor coordination. The Medulla oblongata is primarily responsible for regulating vital functions like breathing and heart rate, not voluntary muscle movements. The Hypothalamus plays a role in regulating body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic processes. The Thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly responsible for voluntary muscle movements.

4. What is the scientific term for a muscle that helps another muscle perform its action?

• A. Agonist
• B. Antagonist
• C. Synergist
• D. Fixator

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A synergist is a muscle that assists the agonist, the primary muscle responsible for a specific movement, in performing that movement. Synergists stabilize joints and provide additional support to the prime mover muscle, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the movement. Choice A, Agonist, refers to the muscle primarily responsible for a specific movement. Choice B, Antagonist, refers to a muscle that opposes the action of the agonist. Choice D, Fixator, refers to a muscle that stabilizes the origin of the prime mover muscle, maintaining the desired position during movement.

5. How does the respiratory system facilitate gas exchange between air and blood?

• A. Diffusion
• B. Exhalation
• C. Inspiration
• D. Ventilation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Diffusion.' Diffusion is the process by which gases are exchanged between air in the alveoli and blood in the capillaries. Oxygen moves from the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli through diffusion. Exhalation is the process of expelling air from the lungs, inspiration is the process of inhaling air into the lungs, and ventilation refers to the overall movement of air in and out of the lungs. While these processes are essential for the respiratory system to function, they are not directly responsible for the gas exchange between air and blood, which is primarily achieved through diffusion.

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