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. During inhalation, which muscle contracts to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity, allowing air to flow into the lungs?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal muscles
• C. Abdominal muscles
• D. Pectoral muscles

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for inhalation. When it contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating a pressure gradient that allows air to flow into the lungs. While the intercostal muscles also play a role in expanding the chest cavity during inhalation, the diaphragm is the main muscle involved in this process. Abdominal muscles and pectoral muscles are not directly involved in the process of inhalation.

3. Who is credited with the discovery of nuclear fission?

• A. Marie Curie
• B. Albert Einstein
• C. Enrico Fermi
• D. Ernest Rutherford

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Enrico Fermi is credited with the discovery of nuclear fission. In 1934, Fermi bombarded uranium with neutrons, leading to the splitting of the uranium nucleus and the release of energy. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for the development of nuclear power and weapons. Marie Curie is known for her pioneering research on radioactivity, but she did not discover nuclear fission. Albert Einstein made significant contributions to physics, including the theory of relativity, but he was not credited with the discovery of nuclear fission. Ernest Rutherford conducted the famous gold foil experiment and made contributions to the understanding of the atom's structure, but he did not discover nuclear fission.

4. What impact would the removal of a keystone species have in an ecosystem?

• A. Lead to a decrease in competition among other species
• B. Cause a slight increase in primary productivity
• C. Have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure
• D. Disrupt the food web and cause cascading effects on other populations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and structure of an ecosystem due to their significant influence. If a keystone species is removed, it disrupts the delicate food web dynamics and can trigger cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. The disruption in predator-prey relationships can lead to population declines and even extinctions of other species. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because the removal of a keystone species would not decrease competition among other species, cause a slight increase in primary productivity, or have a minimal impact on the overall ecosystem structure. Instead, it would have a profound impact, disrupting the food web and causing cascading effects on other populations.

5. What is the role of enzymes in the body?

• A. To transport oxygen
• B. To speed up chemical reactions
• C. To regulate body temperature
• D. To store energy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes act as biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body. They lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur, thus facilitating processes like digestion, metabolism, and other essential functions. Choice A is incorrect as the transportation of oxygen is primarily carried out by red blood cells. Choice C is incorrect as the regulation of body temperature involves mechanisms such as sweating and shivering. Choice D is incorrect as energy storage is mainly performed by molecules like glycogen and triglycerides.

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