Nursing Elites

1. What type of muscle is found in the walls of the heart?

• A. Smooth muscle
• B. Cardiac muscle
• C. Skeletal muscle
• D. Voluntary muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is the specialized muscle found in the walls of the heart. It contracts involuntarily to pump blood throughout the body, ensuring circulation. Smooth muscle is typically found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels, aiding in their functions. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and plays a vital role in movement and posture. Voluntary muscle is a general term for skeletal muscles that are under conscious control, unlike cardiac muscle which contracts involuntarily to maintain the heart's continuous pumping action.

2. What is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system?

• A. Axon
• B. Neuron
• C. Dendrite
• D. Synapse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Neuron. Neurons are indeed the basic structural and functional units of the nervous system. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system, enabling communication and coordination of various functions within the body. While axons, dendrites, and synapses are all essential components of neurons and neural function, the neuron as a whole is considered the fundamental building block responsible for signal transmission. Choice A, Axon, is incorrect because an axon is a part of a neuron responsible for transmitting electrical signals away from the cell body. Choice C, Dendrite, is incorrect because dendrites are extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons. Choice D, Synapse, is incorrect because a synapse is the junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.

3. Which of the following body systems controls fluid loss, protects deep tissues, and synthesizes vitamin D?

• A. The skeletal system
• B. The muscular system
• C. The lymphatic system
• D. The integumentary system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The integumentary system is responsible for controlling fluid loss through sweat, protecting deep tissues as the body's first line of defense, and synthesizing vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. The skin, hair, nails, and associated glands make up the integumentary system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and overall health. The skeletal system (Choice A) provides structural support and protection for internal organs but does not directly control fluid loss, protect deep tissues, or synthesize vitamin D. The muscular system (Choice B) is responsible for movement and stability but is not involved in the functions described. The lymphatic system (Choice C) is primarily responsible for immunity and fluid balance, not the specific functions mentioned in the question.

4. What is the structural and functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood?

• A. Nephron
• B. Ureter
• C. Urethra
• D. Bladder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nephron is the correct answer. It is the structural and functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood. The nephron consists of a renal corpuscle (glomerulus and Bowman's capsule) and a renal tubule. Within the nephron, blood is filtered to form urine, which is then carried to the ureter for excretion from the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the ureter, urethra, and bladder are not involved in the filtration of blood in the kidney. Instead, they are parts of the urinary system responsible for transporting and storing urine.

5. When animals eat, insulin is released from the pancreas, stimulating glucose uptake by the liver. When glucose levels drop, the pancreas reduces insulin release. This is an example of which mechanism for maintaining homeostasis?

• A. Negative feedback.
• B. Positive feedback.
• C. Stress response.
• D. Parasympathetic regulation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This mechanism is an example of negative feedback. Negative feedback systems work to counteract changes in the body and maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis). In this case, the release of insulin in response to high glucose levels is followed by a reduction in insulin release when glucose levels drop. This response helps regulate glucose levels and return them to a normal range, demonstrating the characteristic of negative feedback where the body's response opposes the initial stimulus to maintain equilibrium. Positive feedback would amplify the initial change rather than counteract it, so it is not the correct choice. Stress response and parasympathetic regulation are not directly involved in this glucose regulation process, making them incorrect choices.

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