Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following describes a reflex arc?

• A. The storage and recall of memory
• B. The maintenance of visual and auditory acuity
• C. The autoregulation of heart rate and blood pressure
• D. A stimulus and response controlled by the spinal cord

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D correctly describes a reflex arc. A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex action. It involves a specific sequence of events that occur in response to a stimulus, which is rapidly and involuntarily processed by the spinal cord. The spinal cord coordinates the quick processing of sensory input and the generation of a motor response without involving the brain, allowing for rapid protective responses. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe a reflex arc. A reflex arc is specifically related to the rapid and involuntary response to a stimulus through neural pathways involving the spinal cord, not memory storage, visual and auditory acuity maintenance, or heart rate and blood pressure autoregulation.

2. Which part of the digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the correct answer because it is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It contains specialized structures such as villi and microvilli that maximize the absorption of nutrients from digested food. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach; the stomach primarily aids in digestion by secreting enzymes and acids; and the large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter. Therefore, the small intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing essential nutrients for the body's functions, making it the correct choice in this context.

3. When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) reacts with vinegar (acetic acid), what type of reaction occurs?

• A. Combustion
• B. Double displacement
• C. Decomposition
• D. Synthesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) reacts with vinegar (acetic acid), a double displacement reaction occurs. In this reaction, the positive ions in baking soda switch places with the positive ions in vinegar to form water, carbon dioxide, and a salt. Combustion involves a reaction with oxygen to produce heat and light energy. Decomposition is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, which is not the case in the given reaction. Synthesis is the combination of substances to form a more complex compound, which is also not the type of reaction observed when baking soda and vinegar react.

4. Which of the following conditions is characterized by a wasting or decrease in muscle mass?

• A. Hypertrophy
• B. Atrophy
• C. Spasticity
• D. Myopathy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atrophy is the correct answer as it is characterized by a wasting or decrease in muscle mass. Hypertrophy, on the other hand, refers to an increase in muscle size. Spasticity is associated with increased muscle tone due to continuous contraction of muscles. Myopathy, on the other hand, is a broad term used to describe various muscle diseases affecting muscle tissue, which may or may not involve muscle wasting.

5. How is homeostasis defined?

• A. The ability of human beings to keep body weight within normal limits.
• B. The maintenance of a constant external temperature inside a room.
• C. The ingestion of enough food to prevent hunger pains.
• D. The tendency of the body to maintain a stable internal environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Homeostasis is defined as the tendency of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. This process involves regulating various physiological parameters such as body temperature, blood pressure, and glucose levels to ensure optimal functioning and health. Option A is incorrect as it specifically refers to body weight regulation, which is not the sole focus of homeostasis. Option B is incorrect as it describes maintaining a constant temperature in a room, rather than the internal environment of the body. Option C is incorrect as it only addresses the prevention of hunger pains through food ingestion, which is not the overarching concept of homeostasis.

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