Nursing Elites

1. What causes varicose veins to occur?

• A. Atherosclerosis.
• B. Incompetent valves.
• C. Loss of skin turgor.
• D. Loss of blood vessel elasticity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Varicose veins occur when the valves within the veins become incompetent, leading to blood pooling in the veins instead of being efficiently pumped back to the heart. This causes the veins to become enlarged, twisted, and visible under the skin. Factors such as genetics, aging, pregnancy, and prolonged standing or sitting can contribute to the development of incompetent valves and the resulting varicose veins. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in arteries, not veins, and does not directly cause varicose veins. Loss of skin turgor is related to skin elasticity and not a direct cause of varicose veins. Loss of blood vessel elasticity is a general term and does not specifically address the mechanism behind varicose veins, which is primarily due to incompetent valves.

2. Which structure of the nervous system carries an action potential in the direction of a synapse?

• A. Cell body
• B. Axon
• C. Neuron
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the axon. The axon is the elongated, threadlike part of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons or target cells, such as muscles or glands, in the direction of a synapse. Action potentials travel along the axon as electrical signals to communicate with neighboring cells. The cell body (choice A) contains the nucleus and organelles but does not transmit action potentials. Neuron (choice C) is a broad term that includes the entire nerve cell, not a specific structure. Myelin (choice D) is a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, aiding in the conduction of nerve impulses, but it does not directly carry the action potential towards a synapse.

3. Which part of the brainstem is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing?

• A. Medulla oblongata
• B. Pons
• C. Midbrain
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. This part of the brainstem contains centers that regulate these essential autonomic functions to maintain homeostasis in the body. The pons and midbrain are also parts of the brainstem, but they are not primarily responsible for controlling these vital functions. The cerebellum, on the other hand, is involved in coordination and balance, not in regulating vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

4. In which units is the speed of light in a vacuum measured?

• A. Meters per second
• B. Hertz
• C. Candela
• D. Newton

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The speed of light in a vacuum is commonly measured in units of meters per second. This is because the speed of light is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum, as defined by the International System of Units (SI). The speed of light is a measure of distance covered by light in a given time, hence it is expressed in meters per second. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hertz is a unit of frequency, Candela is a unit of luminous intensity, and Newton is a unit of force. None of these units are relevant for measuring the speed of light, making 'Meters per second' the correct unit of measurement for the speed of light.

5. What is the main function of the urinary system?

• A. Transporting oxygen
• B. Fighting off infections
• C. Maintaining acid-base balance
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the urinary system is to maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is achieved by regulating the levels of electrolytes and water in the body. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood to form urine, which helps to regulate the pH balance. Choice A, transporting oxygen, is primarily the function of the respiratory system. Choice B, fighting off infections, is a function of the immune system. Therefore, the correct answer is maintaining acid-base balance.

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