Nursing Elites

1. Which structure of the nervous system carries an action potential in the direction of a synapse?

• A. Cell body
• B. Axon
• C. Neuron
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the axon. The axon is the elongated, threadlike part of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons or target cells, such as muscles or glands, in the direction of a synapse. Action potentials travel along the axon as electrical signals to communicate with neighboring cells. The cell body (choice A) contains the nucleus and organelles but does not transmit action potentials. Neuron (choice C) is a broad term that includes the entire nerve cell, not a specific structure. Myelin (choice D) is a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, aiding in the conduction of nerve impulses, but it does not directly carry the action potential towards a synapse.

2. Which of the following is an example of a weak acid?

• A. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
• B. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
• C. Acetic acid (CH3COOH)
• D. Nitric acid (HNO3)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Acetic acid (CH3COOH) because it is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H+ ions compared to strong acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3) which completely dissociate in water. Weak acids do not fully ionize in water, leading to a lower concentration of H+ ions in solution. Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid are strong acids that completely dissociate in water, producing a higher concentration of H+ ions. Therefore, they are not examples of weak acids.

3. What is a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland and excessive production of thyroid hormones called?

• A. Diabetes mellitus
• B. Hyperthyroidism
• C. Hypothyroidism
• D. Cushing's syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness. Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to respond to insulin. Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive and produces insufficient thyroid hormones. Cushing's syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the body has a high level of the hormone cortisol for a long time.

4. Which structure contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell?

• A. Cytoplasm
• B. Nucleus
• C. Cell wall (only present in plant cells)
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nucleus is the organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell. It acts as the control center of the cell, regulating gene expression and coordinating cellular activities. The cytoplasm is the fluid-filled space within the cell where organelles are suspended, but it does not contain the genetic material. The cell wall is a rigid structure found in plant cells that provides support and protection, but it does not house the DNA. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins for secretion, but it does not contain the genetic material of the cell.

5. Which structure in the respiratory system is responsible for preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing?

• A. Bronchi
• B. Larynx
• C. Alveoli
• D. Pharynx

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The larynx, housing the epiglottis, a flap of tissue, is the structure responsible for preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing. It acts as a protective barrier, covering the trachea to ensure that ingested substances are directed to the esophagus. The bronchi are the primary airway passages that branch from the trachea into the lungs. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The pharynx is the passage connecting the mouth and nasal cavity to the esophagus and trachea.

Similar Questions