Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following structures prevents food from entering the windpipe?

• A. Pharynx
• B. Esophagus
• C. Larynx
• D. Epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the windpipe by covering the trachea during swallowing. When food is swallowed, the epiglottis folds over the opening of the trachea to ensure that food goes down the esophagus and not into the airway. The pharynx is a shared pathway for both food and air, leading to the esophagus and larynx respectively. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The larynx is responsible for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing, but the epiglottis is specifically designed to prevent food from entering the windpipe.

2. Antigenic variation, a common strategy used by some viruses, allows them to:

• A. Produce toxins
• B. Evade the immune system
• C. Survive outside a host
• D. Replicate rapidly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antigenic variation is a strategy used by some viruses to evade the host's immune response. By constantly changing their surface antigens, viruses can avoid recognition and destruction by the immune system. This allows the virus to persist in the host and continue replicating, leading to prolonged infection and potential transmission to other hosts. Antigenic variation does not directly involve the production of toxins, survival outside a host, or rapid replication, making options A, C, and D incorrect in this context.

3. What is the action of the triceps reflex?

• A. Forces contraction of the triceps and extension of the arm.
• B. Forces contraction of the biceps, relaxation of the biceps, and arm extension.
• C. Causes the triceps to contract, causing the forearm to supinate and flex.
• D. Causes the triceps to relax and the upper arm to pronate and extend.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The triceps reflex causes the triceps muscle to contract, leading to the extension of the arm. This reflex is a protective response to sudden stretching of the triceps muscle, as seen when a physician taps the triceps tendon during a physical examination. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the action of the triceps reflex. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they describe actions that are not associated with the triceps reflex. Biceps contraction, forearm supination, flexion, triceps relaxation, and pronation are not part of the triceps reflex arc.

4. What property of a substance remains constant regardless of the amount of the substance present?

• A. Mass
• B. Weight
• C. Density
• D. Volume

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Density. Density is a physical property of a substance that remains constant regardless of the amount of the substance present. Mass (Choice A) is the amount of matter in an object and can change depending on the amount of the substance. Weight (Choice B) is the force exerted on an object due to gravity and can vary with location. Volume (Choice D) is the amount of space occupied by a substance and can change if the amount of the substance changes.

5. What is the main function of white blood cells?

• A. Transport oxygen
• B. Fight infection
• C. Produce antibodies
• D. Regulate body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of white blood cells is to fight infection, making choice B the correct answer. White blood cells are a crucial component of the immune system, working to defend the body against pathogens and foreign invaders. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because white blood cells do not primarily transport oxygen, produce antibodies, or regulate body temperature. While some blood cells are involved in these functions, the primary role of white blood cells is to combat infections and maintain the body's immune response.

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