Nursing Elites

1. What is the significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics?

• A. Predicting the exact outcome of genetic crosses in humans.
• B. Tracing the inheritance of complex traits with multiple contributing genes.
• C. Identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders.
• D. Determining the risk of acquiring a specific mutation de novo.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.

2. Which of the following produces the first heart sound ('lub')?

• A. The closing of the aortic and pulmonary valves
• B. The closing of the tricuspid and mitral valves
• C. The opening of the aortic and pulmonary valves
• D. The opening of the tricuspid and mitral valves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The first heart sound, known as the 'lub' sound, is produced by the closure of the tricuspid and mitral valves, which are the atrioventricular valves. This sound marks the beginning of systole in the cardiac cycle. Choice A, the closing of the aortic and pulmonary valves, is incorrect as these valves produce the second heart sound ('dub'). Choice C, the opening of the aortic and pulmonary valves, is incorrect because the first heart sound occurs during ventricular contraction (systole). Choice D, the opening of the tricuspid and mitral valves, is incorrect as the 'lub' sound is associated with the closure, not the opening, of these valves.

3. What is the role of hemoglobin in the human body?

• A. Transport oxygen in red blood cells
• B. Bind oxygen to red blood cells
• C. Carry carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs
• D. Help red blood cells transport oxygen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Help red blood cells transport oxygen.' Hemoglobin acts as a carrier molecule in red blood cells, binding to oxygen in the lungs and releasing it in the tissues. It facilitates the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and aids in returning carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hemoglobin itself does not transport oxygen independently or bind oxygen to red blood cells nor does it carry carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs; instead, it assists red blood cells in the transportation of oxygen.

4. Which nervous system controls voluntary motor movement?

• A. Parasympathetic
• B. Sympathetic
• C. Autonomic
• D. Somatic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Somatic. The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary motor movements. It includes the motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscles and allows us to consciously control our movements. The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are components of the autonomic nervous system and are not primarily responsible for voluntary motor movements.

5. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

• A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
• B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
• C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
• D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

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