Nursing Elites

1. A patient's body is not properly filtering blood. Which of the following body parts is most likely malfunctioning?

• A. Medulla
• B. Heart
• C. Nephrons
• D. Renal cortex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and removing waste products to form urine. If a patient's body is not properly filtering blood, it is most likely due to dysfunction or impairment in the nephrons of the kidneys. The heart is responsible for pumping blood, not filtering it, making choice B incorrect. The medulla and renal cortex are specific parts of the kidney but do not directly perform the filtration function carried out by the nephrons, making choices A and D incorrect.

2. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

• A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
• B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
• C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
• D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

3. What is the primary function of nephrons?

• A. Store urine
• B. Filter blood and remove waste products
• C. Produce hormones
• D. Control blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products, excess ions, and water. This process leads to the formation of urine, aiding in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. The primary function of nephrons is not to store urine but to filter blood and eliminate waste products. Choice C, 'Produce hormones,' is incorrect as nephrons primarily focus on filtration rather than hormone production. Choice D, 'Control blood pressure,' is also incorrect as while the kidneys do play a role in regulating blood pressure, it is not the primary function of nephrons within the kidneys.

4. What is the term for the energy released during a chemical reaction?

• A. Kinetic energy
• B. Potential energy
• C. Heat energy
• D. Exothermic energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Exothermic energy.' During an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat. The term 'exothermic' signifies that energy is moving outward, typically in the form of heat, throughout the reaction, leading to a decrease in the system's internal energy. Choice A, 'Kinetic energy,' refers to the energy of motion and is not specifically related to chemical reactions. Choice B, 'Potential energy,' is the energy stored within an object due to its position or state and is not directly related to energy released in a chemical reaction. Choice C, 'Heat energy,' is a form of energy but does not specifically describe the energy released during a chemical reaction.

5. The process by which two or more species reciprocally influence each other's evolution through selection pressures exerted on one another is called:

• A. Convergent evolution
• B. Divergent evolution
• C. Coevolution
• D. Coevolution

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Convergent evolution refers to the process by which unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures. This does not involve reciprocal influence between species. B) Divergent evolution refers to the process by which two or more related species become more dissimilar over time due to different selection pressures. This also does not involve reciprocal influence between species. C) Coevolution is the process by which two or more species reciprocally influence each other's evolution through selection pressures exerted on one another. This can lead to a close ecological relationship between the species, such as in predator-prey interactions or mutualistic relationships. D) This option is a duplicate of option C.

Similar Questions