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. Osteoporosis is a condition that leads to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Which hormone plays a key role in bone health and is often affected in osteoporosis?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Testosterone
• C. Thyroid hormone
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation. In postmenopausal women, estrogen levels decrease, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis due to accelerated bone loss. This hormonal imbalance contributes to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures in individuals with osteoporosis. Testosterone and thyroid hormone do play roles in bone health, but estrogen has a more significant impact. Testosterone is more commonly associated with muscle mass and strength, while thyroid hormone regulates metabolism. Insulin is not directly involved in bone health and is not typically affected in osteoporosis.

3. In the context of cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol is often referred to as:

• A. HDL or "good" cholesterol.
• B. LDL or "bad" cholesterol.
• C. Total cholesterol, encompassing both LDL and HDL.
• D. VLDL, a type of triglyceride transported in the bloodstream.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. LDL cholesterol is considered harmful as it contributes to the formation of plaque in blood vessels, whereas HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL from the arteries. Choice A is incorrect because HDL is known as "good" cholesterol, which helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to total cholesterol, which includes LDL, HDL, and other lipids. Choice D is incorrect as VLDL is a different type of lipoprotein that carries triglycerides and is not specifically related to LDL cholesterol.

4. Which part of the brain controls the coordination of muscle movements?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Thalamus
• D. Medulla oblongata

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for controlling the coordination of muscle movements and helping to maintain balance. It receives information from the sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to regulate voluntary movements. The cerebrum (choice A) is primarily responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking and decision-making, not muscle coordination. The thalamus (choice C) acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in muscle coordination. The medulla oblongata (choice D) is responsible for regulating vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate, rather than muscle coordination.

5. Which feedback loops are less common and sometimes harmful because they enhance stimuli rather than inhibit them?

• A. Negative feedback loop
• B. Positive feedback loop
• C. Inhibitory feedback loop
• D. Stimulating feedback loop

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct. Positive feedback loops enhance or amplify changes, which can sometimes be harmful as they drive processes further from equilibrium. In contrast, negative feedback loops work to counteract deviations from a set point, promoting stability. Choice A, 'Negative feedback loop,' is incorrect because negative feedback loops inhibit or reduce changes, promoting stability. Choice C, 'Inhibitory feedback loop,' is incorrect as it is synonymous with negative feedback loops. Choice D, 'Stimulating feedback loop,' is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the nature of positive feedback loops.

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