Nursing Elites

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

• A. Medulla oblongata
• B. Pons
• C. Midbrain
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It houses centers that oversee these involuntary processes, making it the correct answer. The pons, midbrain, and thalamus do not primarily control heart rate and breathing, thus making them incorrect choices for this question.

2. What is the process of converting DNA into a protein called?

• A. Transcription
• B. Translation
• C. Replication
• D. Mutation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Translation is the correct answer. It is the process of converting the information in mRNA into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein. Transcription (Choice A) is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA. Replication (Choice C) is the process of making an identical copy of DNA. Mutation (Choice D) refers to a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in proteins, but it is not the process of converting DNA into a protein.

3. Acids are generally characterized by a sour taste and the ability to:

• A. Turn litmus paper red
• B. Conduct electricity in solution
• C. Neutralize bases
• D. React explosively with metals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acids are known for their sour taste and their ability to neutralize bases, which is a defining characteristic of their acidic nature. When acids neutralize bases, salts and water are formed, highlighting the unique property of acids. The other options are incorrect: Option A, 'Turn litmus paper red,' is a test for acidity but not a defining characteristic of acids; Option B, 'Conduct electricity in solution,' pertains to the electrolytic properties of acids rather than their defining trait; Option D, 'React explosively with metals,' is not a general characteristic of acids. Therefore, the correct feature associated with acids is their capability to neutralize bases, making option C, 'Neutralize bases,' the correct answer.

4. Which part of the digestive system is primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It is lined with specialized cells that facilitate the absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body. While the stomach plays a role in digestion by breaking down food with acid and enzymes, the actual absorption of nutrients occurs mainly in the small intestine. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach, but it does not absorb nutrients. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, not nutrients.

5. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

• A. Made up of cells
• B. Able to reproduce
• C. Require energy
• D. Non-motile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Made up of cells: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, a fundamental characteristic of life as defined by cell theory. B) Able to reproduce: Reproduction is a key characteristic of living organisms to pass on genetic information. C) Require energy: Energy is essential for carrying out life processes like growth and maintenance of homeostasis. D) Non-motile: While some living organisms are non-motile, movement is common in many organisms for survival activities like finding food, escaping predators, and responding to the environment. Therefore, being non-motile is not a universal characteristic of living organisms, making it the correct answer in this context.

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