Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of the lungs?

• A. To transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
• B. To coordinate movement and sensory information
• C. To filter waste products from the blood
• D. To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main function of the lungs is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment. This process occurs through the alveoli in the lungs where oxygen from inhaled air enters the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream and exhaled. Option A is incorrect as the transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body is primarily carried out by the circulatory system, not the lungs. Option B is incorrect as coordinating movement and sensory information is a function of the nervous system, not the lungs. Option C is incorrect as filtering waste products from the blood is primarily the role of the kidneys, not the lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

2. What is the role of the pancreas in the digestive system?

• A. To store bile
• B. To secrete digestive enzymes
• C. To digest proteins
• D. To absorb nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To secrete digestive enzymes.' The pancreas plays a crucial role in the digestive system by secreting digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, facilitating the absorption of nutrients from the digested food. Choice A is incorrect because the pancreas is not responsible for storing bile; the gallbladder stores bile. Choice C is incorrect because the pancreas secretes enzymes for protein digestion but does not digest proteins itself. Choice D is incorrect as the absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine, not in the pancreas.

3. What is the most powerful stimulus for breathing in a healthy person?

• A. Acidosis
• B. Alkalosis
• C. Increase in CO2
• D. Loss of O2

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is an increase in CO2. In a healthy individual, the primary drive to breathe is regulated by the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. When CO2 levels increase, it triggers the body to increase the rate and depth of breathing to eliminate excess CO2 and restore the balance. This response is more powerful than other stimuli such as acidosis, alkalosis, or loss of oxygen. While acidosis and alkalosis can affect breathing, an increase in CO2 has a more direct and immediate impact. Loss of oxygen (hypoxia) is a potent stimulus, but the body's response to increased CO2 levels is generally more pronounced and immediate in healthy individuals.

4. Which of the following is directly transcribed from DNA and represents the first step in protein synthesis?

• A. siRNA
• B. rRNA
• C. mRNA
• D. tRNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: mRNA (messenger RNA) is directly transcribed from DNA in the nucleus during the process of transcription. It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation in the cytoplasm. mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where it determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Thus, mRNA represents the first step in protein synthesis as it carries the code from the DNA to be translated into a protein. Choice A, siRNA (small interfering RNA), is involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing and does not play a role in protein synthesis. Choice B, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of the ribosome and plays a structural and functional role in protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA. Choice D, tRNA (transfer RNA), is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but is not directly transcribed from DNA.

5. Which type of tissue protects the respiratory system's trachea?

• A. Bone
• B. Cartilage
• C. Collagen
• D. Keratin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is the correct answer as it provides flexible support and protection in the trachea. Cartilage is specifically designed to maintain the trachea's shape and prevent it from collapsing during breathing. Bone is a rigid tissue, not found in the trachea, and would not provide the necessary flexibility for breathing. Collagen is a structural protein but does not offer the same support and flexibility as cartilage in this context. Keratin is a protein that forms structures like hair and nails, and it is not present in the trachea to provide protection.

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