Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the pleurae?

• A. To compartmentalize and lubricate the lungs
• B. To facilitate the flow of air
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To serve as the passageway for air

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pleurae play a crucial role in compartmentalizing and lubricating the lungs. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This double-layered structure reduces friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing movements, allowing smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, 'To facilitate the flow of air,' is incorrect because while the pleurae are involved in the respiratory process, their primary function is not to directly facilitate the flow of air. Option C, 'To produce mucus,' is incorrect as the production of mucus is not a primary function of the pleurae. Option D, 'To serve as the passageway for air,' is incorrect as the passageway for air refers to the air passages like the trachea and bronchi, not the pleurae. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately describes the function of the pleurae.

2. The number of protons in an atom is determined by its:

• A. Atomic mass
• B. Electron configuration
• C. Chemical properties
• D. Atomic number

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is determined by its atomic number. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which also determines the element's identity. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Atomic number. Choices (A) Atomic mass, (B) Electron configuration, and (C) Chemical properties are not directly related to the number of protons in an atom. Atomic mass is the total mass of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom. Electron configuration refers to the arrangement of electrons in an atom's energy levels, and chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons in the outermost energy level.

3. What is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Viruses
• C. Fungi
• D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Aseptic meningitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackievirus, echovirus), herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and others. These viruses can infect the meninges, leading to inflammation and symptoms of meningitis without the presence of bacteria. While bacterial meningitis is a serious and life-threatening condition, aseptic meningitis caused by viruses is usually less severe and has a better prognosis. Fungi and parasites are less common causes of meningitis compared to bacteria and viruses.

4. Which gland produces the hormone responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response in stressful situations?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Adrenal gland. The hormone responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response in stressful situations is produced by the adrenal gland. This hormone is called adrenaline (epinephrine) and is released in response to stress, preparing the body to either fight the stressor or flee from it. The other choices are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the pituitary gland produces various hormones that control other endocrine glands, and the pancreas produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

5. Which organ in the body is responsible for maintaining electrolyte balance and filtering waste from the blood?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Heart
• D. Lungs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood and maintaining electrolyte balance. They help regulate the body's fluid levels and produce urine as a means of waste elimination. The liver primarily plays a role in detoxification and metabolism, not in maintaining electrolyte balance or filtering waste from the blood. The heart is responsible for pumping blood, not for electrolyte balance or waste filtration. The lungs are primarily involved in gas exchange, not in maintaining electrolyte balance or filtering waste from the blood.

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