Nursing Elites

1. Which structure in the lungs is the site of gas exchange?

• A. Trachea
• B. Alveoli
• C. Bronchioles
• D. Diaphragm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide from the blood is released into the alveoli to be exhaled. The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that carries air to and from the lungs, but it is not involved in gas exchange. Bronchioles (Choice C) are small air passages within the lungs that branch off from the bronchi, leading air to the alveoli but not directly involved in gas exchange. The diaphragm (Choice D) is a muscle below the lungs that helps in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity, but it is not the site of gas exchange.

2. The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that perform several vital functions. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the kidneys?

• A. Filtering waste products from the blood
• B. Regulating blood pressure
• C. Producing red blood cells
• D. Maintaining water balance in the body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The kidneys do not produce red blood cells. This function is carried out by the bone marrow. The primary functions of the kidneys include filtering waste products from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining water balance in the body. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, not in the kidneys. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are primary functions of the kidneys, which involve filtering waste products, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining water balance in the body, respectively.

3. Which molecules are soluble in nonpolar solvents but are hydrophobic?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Lipids
• C. Proteins
• D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lipids are hydrophobic molecules that are soluble in nonpolar solvents like oils but insoluble in water. They consist of fats, oils, waxes, and steroids and play essential roles in energy storage, insulation, and cell membrane structure. Carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are not typically soluble in nonpolar solvents and do not exhibit the same hydrophobic characteristics as lipids. Carbohydrates are usually hydrophilic and soluble in water, proteins have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions but are not generally soluble in nonpolar solvents, and nucleic acids are polar molecules that are not known for their solubility in nonpolar solvents.

4. 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.

5. What is the purpose of a catalyst?

• A. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the activation energy
• B. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the temperature
• C. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy
• D. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of a catalyst is to increase a reaction's rate by decreasing the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly without being consumed in the process. The catalyst provides an alternate mechanism with a lower activation energy, making it easier for the reactants to convert into products. Choice A is incorrect because a catalyst lowers, not increases, the activation energy. Choice B is incorrect because a catalyst does not affect the temperature directly but provides an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur more easily. Choice D is incorrect because a catalyst does not lower the temperature but facilitates the reaction by lowering the activation energy barrier. Therefore, the correct answer is C, 'To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy.'

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