Nursing Elites

1. Where does the nerve impulses send neurotransmitters across a synapse to a muscle cell to stimulate muscle contraction?

• A. sarcomere
• B. tendon
• C. myelin sheath
• D. neuromuscular junction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The neuromuscular junction is the specific area where nerve impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters that cross the synaptic gap to bind to receptors on the muscle cell membrane. This binding initiates muscle contraction by stimulating the muscle cell. The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit in a muscle fiber, not the location where nerve impulses communicate with muscle cells. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not involved in transmitting nerve impulses. The myelin sheath is a protective covering around nerve fibers but is not directly involved in transmitting neurotransmitters to muscle cells for muscle contraction.

2. Which part of the brain is responsible for balance and coordination?

• A. Cerebellum
• B. Cerebrum
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. It plays a vital role in balance and coordination by controlling motor functions, precision, and timing of movements. The cerebrum is primarily involved in higher brain functions such as thinking and problem-solving. The hypothalamus regulates essential bodily functions like temperature and hunger, while the thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain for processing.

3. Using anatomical terms, what is the relationship of the sternum to the deltoid?

• A. Medial
• B. Lateral
• C. Superficial
• D. Posterior

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The sternum is located at the midline of the body, closer to the center, making it medial to the deltoid. The deltoid muscle is positioned on the lateral side of the upper arm, away from the midline. Therefore, the correct relationship of the sternum to the deltoid is medial. 'Lateral' is incorrect as it refers to a position farther away from the midline, 'Superficial' is incorrect as it relates to a structure being closer to the surface, and 'Posterior' is incorrect as it indicates a position behind or toward the back.

4. What is the term for a substance that can act as both a proton donor and a proton acceptor?

• A. Acid
• B. Base
• C. Amphiprotic
• D. Neutral

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Amphiprotic substances are those that can both donate and accept protons. They possess characteristics of both acids and bases, making them capable of acting as proton donors and proton acceptors. Choices A and B represent substances that are specific to either donating or accepting protons. Choice D does not describe a substance's ability to donate or accept protons since neutrality does not inherently involve proton donation or acceptance.

5. Which type of immune cell does the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) target and destroy?

• A. Neutrophils
• B. Macrophages
• C. Helper T cells
• D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: HIV targets and destroys Helper T cells, which are vital for coordinating the immune response against infections. The destruction of Helper T cells weakens the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Neutrophils (Choice A) are primarily involved in acute inflammatory responses and fighting bacterial infections. Macrophages (Choice B) play a role in phagocytosis and antigen presentation but are not the primary target of HIV. Memory B cells (Choice D) are responsible for mounting a quicker and more robust antibody response upon re-exposure to a pathogen, but they are not the main target of HIV infection.

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