Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a function of the skeletal system?

• A. To produce red blood cells
• B. To provide structural support
• C. To transport nutrients
• D. To store fat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To provide structural support. The skeletal system is primarily responsible for supporting the body's structure, protecting internal organs, facilitating movement, and storing minerals. While bones do play a role in producing red blood cells (hematopoiesis) in the bone marrow, the main function related to the question is providing structural support. Choices C and D are incorrect as the skeletal system is not involved in transporting nutrients or storing fat. The main functions of the skeletal system are related to support, protection, movement facilitation, mineral storage, and hematopoiesis.

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. Define the term 'velocity' in relation to motion.

• A. Speed in a specific direction
• B. Distance traveled in a given time
• C. Rate of change of position
• D. Acceleration due to gravity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Velocity is a vector quantity that describes the speed of an object along with its direction of motion. Unlike speed, which is a scalar quantity focusing solely on the magnitude of motion, velocity considers both speed and direction. Therefore, the best definition of velocity is 'speed in a specific direction.' Choice B, 'Distance traveled in a given time,' is incorrect as it defines speed rather than velocity. Choice C, 'Rate of change of position,' is more aligned with the definition of velocity but lacks the specificity of direction. Choice D, 'Acceleration due to gravity,' is unrelated to the definition of velocity and refers to a different concept in physics.

4. What is the primary function of red blood cells in the cardiovascular system?

• A. To transport oxygen throughout the body.
• B. To fight infection and disease.
• C. To help regulate blood clotting.
• D. To remove waste products from the body.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, play a crucial role in the cardiovascular system by primarily transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs. This essential function is carried out through the interaction of hemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the body's tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Red blood cells are not actively involved in fighting infections, regulating blood clotting, or eliminating waste products from the body.

5. Which gas is the most abundant in Earth's atmosphere?

• A. Nitrogen
• B. Oxygen
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Argon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, constituting approximately 78% of the air we breathe. It is essential for various biological processes, including plant growth and nitrogen fixation. Moreover, nitrogen is a key component of the greenhouse effect, playing a crucial role in regulating the planet's temperature. Oxygen, while important for respiration, comprises about 21% of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, though vital for photosynthesis and a greenhouse gas, is present in much lower concentrations than nitrogen. Argon, an inert gas, is a minor component of the atmosphere.

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