Nursing Elites

1. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

• A. Cramp
• B. Spasm
• C. Tic
• D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

2. Which of the following terms refers to a muscle twitch, a single forceful contraction of a muscle fiber?

• A. Tetanus
• B. Tremor
• C. Fasciculation
• D. Rigidity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct term for a muscle twitch, a single forceful contraction of a muscle fiber, is 'Fasciculation' (choice C). Fasciculation specifically describes this phenomenon. 'Tetanus' (choice A) refers to sustained muscle contraction, 'Tremor' (choice B) indicates a shaky or quivering movement, and 'Rigidity' (choice D) denotes stiffness or inflexibility in muscles. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect in the context of a single forceful contraction of a muscle fiber.

3. As a water wave approaches a shallow beach, what happens to its speed, wavelength, and frequency?

• A. Speed increases, wavelength decreases, frequency increases.
• B. Speed decreases, wavelength decreases, frequency remains the same.
• C. Speed increases, wavelength increases, frequency decreases.
• D. Speed, wavelength, and frequency remain the same.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: As a water wave approaches a shallow beach, the speed of the wave decreases due to the change in medium from deep to shallow water. According to the wave equation (speed = frequency x wavelength), if the speed decreases and the frequency remains the same, the wavelength must also decrease to maintain the equation balanced. This phenomenon occurs due to the wavefronts being slowed down by the shallower water, causing the wavelength to decrease while the frequency remains constant. Choice A is incorrect as the speed of the wave decreases in shallow water. Choice C is incorrect because the speed increases in deep water, not in shallow water. Choice D is incorrect as all the wave characteristics change when moving from deep to shallow water.

4. Which of the following describes the general function of cytokines in the immune system?

• A. They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.
• B. They inhibit blood clotting during inflammation responses.
• C. They bind to specific pathogens to increase pathogen mass.
• D. They transport pathogens trapped in mucus to be destroyed in the stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.' Cytokines are signaling molecules that act as messengers between cells in the immune system, playing a vital role in coordinating and regulating immune responses. They communicate with various immune cells to initiate appropriate responses against pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because cytokines do not inhibit blood clotting but rather regulate immune responses. Choice C is incorrect as cytokines do not bind to specific pathogens to increase their mass; instead, they regulate the immune response. Choice D is also incorrect because cytokines do not transport pathogens trapped in mucus to the stomach for destruction; they primarily function as signaling molecules within the immune system.

5. Which factor do colligative properties of solutions depend on?

• A. Concentration of the solvent
• B. All of the above
• C. Chemical identity of the solute
• D. Number of solute particles in solution

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Colligative properties of solutions depend on the number of solute particles in solution. These properties, such as boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, vapor pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure, are proportional to the number of solute particles present in the solution. The chemical identity of the solute or the concentration of the solvent does not influence colligative properties, making choices A and C incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is D, the number of solute particles in solution.

Similar Questions