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. What is the function of the pharynx?

• A. Allow food and air to pass into the body
• B. Warm and moisten air during inhalation
• C. Create a chest cavity at the base of the lungs
• D. Provide structural support to the alveolar region

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Allow food and air to pass into the body.' The pharynx serves as a common pathway for both food and air. It connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus, enabling the passage of both food and air into their respective pathways. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the function of the pharynx. Option B is incorrect because the warming and moistening of air primarily occur in the nasal cavity and not in the pharynx. Option C is incorrect as the creation of a chest cavity is mainly related to the thoracic cavity, not the pharynx. Option D is also incorrect as the structural support to the alveolar region is provided by other structures like the alveoli and surrounding tissues, not the pharynx.

3. Which of the following factors would increase the solubility of a gas in a liquid?

• A. Decreasing temperature
• B. Increasing pressure
• C. Decreasing surface area
• D. Increasing particle size

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is increasing pressure. According to Henry's Law, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid. Therefore, increasing pressure would force more gas molecules into the liquid, leading to an increase in solubility. Conversely, decreasing temperature, decreasing surface area, and increasing particle size would not directly impact the solubility of a gas in a liquid. Decreasing temperature typically decreases solubility as gases are less soluble at lower temperatures. Decreasing surface area and increasing particle size are related to surface area and not the pressure above the liquid, thus not affecting solubility as pressure does.

4. Which of the following statements regarding the working of the heart is not correct?

• A. The atria contract, and the valves open to allow blood into the ventricles.
• B. The heartbeat begins when the heart muscles relax, and blood flows into the atria.
• C. The valves close to stop blood from flowing backward.
• D. The ventricles contract, forcing blood to leave the heart.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the heartbeat actually begins when the heart muscles relax, allowing the chambers to fill with blood. The contraction phase follows, which propels blood out of the heart. The other statements are accurate in describing the normal sequence of events in the heart's functioning: the atria contract to push blood into the ventricles, the valves close to prevent backflow of blood, and the ventricles contract to pump blood out of the heart.

5. Which part of the nervous system is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response?

• A. Somatic nervous system
• B. Parasympathetic nervous system
• C. Sympathetic nervous system
• D. Enteric nervous system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, triggering the body's automatic response to a perceived threat or danger. This system initiates physiological changes like increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and the release of adrenaline, preparing the body to confront or escape the threat. The somatic nervous system (Choice A) controls voluntary movements, the parasympathetic nervous system (Choice B) is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response to promote relaxation and digestion, and the enteric nervous system (Choice D) regulates the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, they are not associated with the 'fight-or-flight' response.

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