what is the purpose of an electrocardiogram

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Science Test

1. What is the purpose of an electrocardiogram?

A. Indicate the rate of blood flow
B. Display the heart's rate and rhythm
C. Identify a person's blood group type
D. Determine cell type in a blood sample

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is used to measure and display the heart's rate and rhythm. It provides valuable information about the electrical activity of the heart, allowing healthcare providers to assess the heart's health, detect abnormalities in the heart's rhythm, and diagnose various cardiac conditions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because an ECG does not indicate the rate of blood flow but rather focuses on the heart's electrical activity. Choice C is incorrect because identifying a person's blood group type is typically done through blood typing tests, not ECG. Choice D is incorrect because determining cell type in a blood sample is unrelated to the purpose of an ECG.

2. What is the name of the cartilage flap that covers the trachea during swallowing, preventing food from entering the airway?

A. Epiglottis
B. Glottis
C. Larynx
D. Pharynx

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epiglottis. The epiglottis is a cartilage flap located at the base of the tongue that covers the trachea during swallowing. Its primary function is to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway and instead directs them towards the esophagus. The glottis (choice B) refers to the space between the vocal cords in the larynx. The larynx (choice C) is the voice box containing the vocal cords responsible for phonation. The pharynx (choice D) is the throat region connecting the mouth and the esophagus, playing a role in both digestion and respiration.

3. What is the difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)?

A. Emphysema damages alveoli, while chronic bronchitis inflames airways.
B. Emphysema causes coughing, while chronic bronchitis leads to shortness of breath.
C. Emphysema is more reversible than chronic bronchitis.
D. Emphysema affects only smokers, while chronic bronchitis can occur in non-smokers.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveoli in the lungs, leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to excessive mucus production and coughing. Therefore, the correct difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis is that emphysema damages the alveoli, while chronic bronchitis inflames the airways. Choice B is incorrect because chronic bronchitis is associated with coughing, not emphysema. Choice C is incorrect as chronic bronchitis is typically less reversible compared to emphysema. Choice D is incorrect as both emphysema and chronic bronchitis are commonly seen in smokers, but chronic bronchitis can also occur in non-smokers due to other factors such as air pollution or genetic predisposition.

4. What is the primary function of the strong nuclear force?

A. Binding electrons in atomic orbitals
B. Binding protons and neutrons within the nucleus
C. Mediating the attractive force between opposite charges
D. Mediating the repulsive force between like charges

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The strong nuclear force primarily functions to bind protons and neutrons within the nucleus. It is responsible for overcoming the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons, holding the nucleus together. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the strong nuclear force specifically acts on nucleons (protons and neutrons) within the nucleus, not on electrons in atomic orbitals or charges outside the nucleus.

5. What do large intestines absorb?

A. Water, sodium, and potassium ions
B. Proteins and carbohydrates
C. Water, vitamin K, and bile salts
D. Vitamins A, D, E, K

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The large intestine absorbs water, vitamin K, bile salts, sodium, and chloride ions. It helps in maintaining the body's water and electrolyte balance, and also plays a role in absorbing certain vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin K. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins A, D, E, and K are primarily absorbed in the small intestine, not the large intestine.