Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following organs is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller pieces?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mouth. The mouth is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and mixing with saliva. This process is essential for breaking down food into smaller, more digestible pieces before swallowing. The esophagus (choice A) is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach and does not participate in the mechanical breakdown of food. The stomach (choice B) primarily functions to further break down food using acids and enzymes, rather than mechanical means. The small intestine (choice C) is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the digested food, not for the mechanical breakdown of food.

2. What information can be obtained from the mass number of an element?

• A. The number of protons in the nucleus
• B. The total number of protons and neutrons
• C. The number of electrons in the valence shell
• D. The element's chemical reactivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. This information is crucial for determining the atomic mass of the element and understanding its stability and isotopes. The number of protons in the nucleus (option A) is represented by the atomic number, not the mass number. The number of electrons in the valence shell (option C) is related to the element's position in the periodic table and its chemical properties, but it is not directly determined by the mass number. The element's chemical reactivity (option D) is influenced by the number and arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy levels, not by the mass number.

3. What is the name of a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues?

• A. Allergy
• B. Autoimmune disease
• C. Immunodeficiency
• D. Sepsis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy body tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. This results in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes. Allergies, on the other hand, involve an exaggerated immune response to harmless substances like pollen or certain foods. Immunodeficiency refers to a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Sepsis is a severe systemic response to an infection, leading to organ dysfunction and potentially life-threatening complications.

4. What happens during a physical change in matter?

• A. A new substance with different properties is formed
• B. The chemical composition of the substance changes
• C. The original substance can be recovered by physical means
• D. Energy is either released or absorbed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a physical change in matter, the original substance undergoes a change in its physical state or appearance without any change in its chemical composition. This means that the original substance can be recovered by physical means, such as melting, freezing, boiling, or condensing. No new substance is formed (option A), the chemical composition remains the same (option B), and energy changes can occur but are not a defining characteristic of a physical change (option D). The ability to recover the original substance by physical means distinguishes physical changes from chemical changes.

5. What term describes the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction?

• A. Myofibril
• B. Sarcomere
• C. Tendon
• D. Myoglobin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Sarcomere.' The sarcomere is indeed the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction. It is composed of actin and myosin filaments that interact to generate muscle contraction. Choice A, 'Myofibril,' is incorrect as myofibrils are composed of sarcomeres, not the functional units themselves. Choice C, 'Tendon,' is incorrect as tendons connect muscles to bones and do not directly participate in muscle contraction. Choice D, 'Myoglobin,' is incorrect as myoglobin is a protein that stores oxygen in muscle cells and is not directly involved in muscle contraction.

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