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. A satellite orbits the Earth at a constant speed. Which force is responsible for its circular motion?

• A. Gravitational force from the Earth
• B. Thrust from the satellite's engine
• C. Friction between the satellite and the atmosphere
• D. Normal force from the Earth's surface

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The gravitational force from the Earth is responsible for keeping the satellite in its circular orbit. This force provides the necessary centripetal force required to maintain the circular motion of the satellite. The gravitational force acts as the centripetal force, pulling the satellite towards the center of the Earth, thereby keeping it in its circular path. Choices B, C, and D do not provide the necessary force to keep the satellite in its circular path. Thrust from the satellite's engine would change the speed or direction of the satellite, not maintain its circular path. Friction between the satellite and the atmosphere would act as a resistive force, slowing down the satellite rather than maintaining its orbit. The normal force from the Earth's surface is perpendicular to the surface and does not contribute to the circular motion of the satellite. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as the gravitational force acts as the centripetal force to keep the satellite in its circular path around the Earth.

3. What two factors enable some intercellular chemical signals to diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors?

• A. They are small and soluble.
• B. They are large and soluble.
• C. They are small and insoluble.
• D. They are large and insoluble.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are small and soluble.' Small and soluble molecules can easily pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors. Being small allows them to pass through the membrane, while being soluble enables them to dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell. Choice B is incorrect because large molecules typically cannot pass through the cell membrane easily. Choices C and D are incorrect because insoluble molecules would not dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell, hindering their ability to bind to intracellular receptors.

4. What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?

• A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
• B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
• C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
• D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

5. Which of the following is a function of the liver?

• A. Producing digestive enzymes
• B. Storing bile
• C. Filtering waste products from the blood
• D. Transporting nutrients to cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct function of the liver is to store bile. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is needed to aid in the digestion of fats. While the liver does produce bile, its primary role is to store and release it. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Producing digestive enzymes is mainly the function of the pancreas, filtering waste products from the blood is primarily done by the kidneys, and transporting nutrients to cells is typically associated with the circulatory system rather than the liver.

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