Nursing Elites

1. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Thalamus
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum (Choice A) is primarily associated with higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, not with regulating basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The thalamus (Choice C) serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in controlling breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and balance, not in regulating respiratory and cardiac functions.

2. The kidneys are bean-shaped organs responsible for filtering waste products from the blood. What is the main nitrogenous waste product the kidneys eliminate?

• A. Carbon dioxide
• B. Ammonia
• C. Urea
• D. Glucose

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, urea. Urea is the main nitrogenous waste product eliminated by the kidneys. It is produced in the liver from protein metabolism and excreted in urine. Carbon dioxide is eliminated through the lungs as a waste product of cellular respiration and not by the kidneys. Ammonia, a toxic waste product, is converted to urea in the liver before being excreted by the kidneys. Glucose is a sugar that is reabsorbed by the kidneys and not excreted as waste.

3. What are the three layers of the skin?

• A. Epidermis, dermis, subdermis
• B. Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
• C. Dermis, subdermis, hypodermis
• D. Epidermis, dermis, adipose layer

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis. The three layers of the skin are the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis (inner layer of fat and connective tissue). The hypodermis is also known as the subcutaneous tissue and is primarily composed of adipose (fat) tissue, providing insulation and padding to the body. Choice A is incorrect as 'subdermis' is not a recognized layer of the skin. Choice C is incorrect as 'dermis' is the middle layer, not the outer layer. Choice D is incorrect as the layer below the dermis is the hypodermis, not specifically an 'adipose layer.'

4. What is the microscopic functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood?

• A. Ureter
• B. Nephron
• C. Renal pelvis
• D. Bladder

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nephron is the correct answer as it is the microscopic functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood. It is composed of a renal corpuscle (glomerulus and Bowman's capsule) and a renal tubule. The other options, such as (A) Ureter, (C) Renal pelvis, and (D) Bladder, do not play a role in filtering blood within the kidney. The ureter is a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The renal pelvis is a part of the kidney where urine collects before entering the ureter. The bladder is an organ that stores urine until it is excreted from the body.

5. What is the difference between exhalation (expiration) and inhalation (inspiration)?

• A. Exhalation involves active muscle contraction, while inhalation is passive.
• B. Inhalation brings in oxygen-rich air, while exhalation releases carbon dioxide-rich air.
• C. Exhalation occurs through the nose only, while inhalation can occur through the nose or mouth.
• D. Inhalation warms and humidifies air, while exhalation cools and dries air.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Exhalation (expiration) involves active muscle contraction, specifically the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, to decrease the volume of the thoracic cavity and push air out of the lungs. In contrast, inhalation (inspiration) is a passive process where the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract to increase the thoracic cavity volume, allowing air to flow into the lungs. Choice B is incorrect as exhalation removes carbon dioxide-rich air and inhalation brings in oxygen-rich air. Choice C is incorrect because both exhalation and inhalation can occur through the nose or mouth. Choice D is inaccurate as inhalation humidifies and warms the air, while exhalation cools and dries it.

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