Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath that surrounds some axons in the nervous system?

• A. To initiate nerve impulses
• B. To transmit sensory information
• C. To speed up the transmission of nerve impulses
• D. To connect neurons at synapses

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the myelin sheath is to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses. The myelin sheath acts as an insulating layer around the axon, allowing for faster conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fiber. This insulation prevents the electrical signal from dissipating or 'leaking' out, which helps in the rapid and efficient transmission of nerve impulses along the axon. Choice A is incorrect because the myelin sheath does not initiate nerve impulses; it helps in conducting them. Choice B is incorrect as the myelin sheath's main role is not in transmitting sensory information but rather in facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses. Choice D is incorrect because the myelin sheath's function is not to connect neurons at synapses; instead, it is primarily involved in enhancing the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

2. What property best describes the characteristic that nuclear forces are much stronger than electromagnetic forces at the nuclear level?

• A. Short-range interaction
• B. Long-range interaction
• C. Repulsive force
• D. Dependent on charge only

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Short-range interaction. Nuclear forces are much stronger than electromagnetic forces at the nuclear level because they are short-range interactions that act over distances on the order of the size of an atomic nucleus. This short-range nature of nuclear forces allows them to be much stronger than the long-range electromagnetic forces, which weaken with distance according to the inverse square law. Choice B, long-range interaction, is incorrect because nuclear forces are short-range. Choice C, repulsive force, is incorrect as nuclear forces include both attractive and repulsive components. Choice D, dependent on charge only, is incorrect because nuclear forces are not solely determined by charge but also involve other factors like spin and isospin.

3. 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).

4. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a process in the brain associated with:

• A. Sensory perception
• B. Memory formation
• C. Muscle control
• D. Emotional regulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a process in the brain strongly associated with memory formation. It involves the strengthening of synapses between neurons, which is crucial for learning and memory. Sensory perception, muscle control, and emotional regulation are not directly related to LTP. Sensory perception involves the detection and processing of sensory information, muscle control pertains to movement coordination, and emotional regulation refers to the management of emotions, none of which are primarily influenced by LTP.

5. What phenomenon explains the bending of light as it passes around an obstacle or through an aperture?

• A. Refraction
• B. Reflection
• C. Diffraction
• D. Dispersion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Diffraction is the phenomenon that explains the bending of light as it passes around an obstacle or through an aperture. When light encounters an obstacle or passes through an aperture, it diffracts, causing it to bend around the edges. Refraction, on the other hand, occurs when light passes from one medium to another, causing it to change direction. Reflection involves the bouncing back of light rays from a surface, and dispersion is the separation of light into its different colors. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as diffraction specifically addresses the bending of light as it interacts with obstacles or apertures, unlike the other choices that describe different optical phenomena.

Similar Questions