Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons, preventing them from becoming overexcited?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. GABA
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, thus preventing overexcitation. Acetylcholine (choice A) is involved in muscle control and cognitive function, but it is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity. Dopamine (choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control, rather than inhibiting neuronal firing. Serotonin (choice D) is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite but does not primarily slow down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

2. How are sister chromatids distinguished from homologous chromosomes in meiosis I?

• A. Sister chromatids share the same centromere, while homologous chromosomes have different centromeres.
• B. Sister chromatids have identical DNA sequences, while homologous chromosomes have slightly different sequences due to crossing over.
• C. Sister chromatids repel each other, while homologous chromosomes attract each other during synapsis.
• D. Sister chromatids separate during anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase II.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In meiosis I, sister chromatids are exact copies of each other, containing identical DNA sequences. On the other hand, homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes, with one inherited from each parent, and they can have different versions of genes due to genetic recombination during crossing over in prophase I. Choice A is incorrect because homologous chromosomes naturally have different centromeres. Choice C is incorrect as sister chromatids and homologous chromosomes do not exhibit repulsion or attraction during synapsis. Choice D is incorrect as sister chromatids separate during anaphase II, not anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase I.

3. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

• A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
• B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
• C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
• D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

4. Which of the following produces the first heart sound ('lub')?

• A. The closing of the aortic and pulmonary valves
• B. The closing of the tricuspid and mitral valves
• C. The opening of the aortic and pulmonary valves
• D. The opening of the tricuspid and mitral valves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The first heart sound, known as the 'lub' sound, is produced by the closure of the tricuspid and mitral valves, which are the atrioventricular valves. This sound marks the beginning of systole in the cardiac cycle. Choice A, the closing of the aortic and pulmonary valves, is incorrect as these valves produce the second heart sound ('dub'). Choice C, the opening of the aortic and pulmonary valves, is incorrect because the first heart sound occurs during ventricular contraction (systole). Choice D, the opening of the tricuspid and mitral valves, is incorrect as the 'lub' sound is associated with the closure, not the opening, of these valves.

5. What is the function of the lymphatic system?

• A. To transport oxygen
• B. To filter waste from the blood
• C. To produce red blood cells
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To filter waste from the blood.' The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess fluid from tissues, absorbing fats from the digestive system, and filtering out harmful substances and waste products from the blood. It also plays a crucial role in the body's immune defense by transporting white blood cells and antibodies to fight off infections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because transporting oxygen, producing red blood cells, and regulating body temperature are functions performed by other systems in the body, such as the respiratory system, bone marrow, and thermoregulatory mechanisms, respectively.

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