Nursing Elites

1. Which muscle has involuntary cells that are branched and striated and connected by intercalated discs with gap junctions?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle cells fit the description provided in the question; they are involuntary, striated, and branched, with intercalated discs containing gap junctions that allow for synchronized contractions of the heart. Smooth muscle (choice A) lacks striations and is found in the walls of internal organs. Skeletal muscle (choice C) is voluntary and attaches to bones for movement. 'Epithelial muscle' (choice D) is not a valid muscle type, making it an incorrect choice.

2. What is the role of the diaphragm in respiration?

• A. To regulate air pressure in the lungs
• B. To contract and expand the lungs
• C. To store oxygen
• D. To break down carbon dioxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in respiration by contracting and expanding the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to expand. This expansion leads to a decrease in pressure inside the lungs, causing air to rush in. When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves back up, decreasing the space in the chest cavity and causing the lungs to deflate. This action increases the pressure in the lungs, leading to air being pushed out. Therefore, the diaphragm's main function is to facilitate the inhalation and exhalation of air by contracting and expanding the lungs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the diaphragm's primary function is not to regulate air pressure in the lungs, store oxygen, or break down carbon dioxide. Instead, its main purpose is to aid in the mechanical process of breathing.

3. How many amino acids can make up a protein?

• A. 10-20
• B. 50-100
• C. 100-500
• D. 1000+

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, and there are 20 standard amino acids commonly found in proteins. The sequence and arrangement of these amino acids determine the structure and function of a protein. While proteins can vary in size and complexity, the number of amino acids typically ranges from around 10 to 20 in smaller proteins to hundreds or even thousands in larger proteins. Therefore, the range of 10-20 amino acids is the most accurate representation of the number of amino acids that can make up a protein. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they provide ranges that are beyond the typical number of amino acids found in proteins and may lead to confusion. The correct answer is A (10-20).

4. 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.

5. Which of the following is a condition characterized by a loss of bone density and increased risk of fractures?

• A. Osteoarthritis
• B. Rickets
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Scoliosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a loss of bone density, leading to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting cartilage, Rickets is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D leading to impaired bone development, and Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Therefore, the correct answer is osteoporosis as it specifically pertains to decreased bone density and fracture risk, distinguishing it from the other conditions listed.

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