Nursing Elites

1. A spring with a spring constant of 100 N/m is stretched 0.2 m from its equilibrium position. What is the potential energy stored in the spring?

• A. 2 J
• B. 4 J
• C. 8 J
• D. 20 J

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The potential energy stored in a spring is given by the formula \(PE = \frac{1}{2}kx^2\), where \(k\) is the spring constant and \(x\) is the displacement from the equilibrium position. Substituting the given values, we get \(PE = \frac{1}{2} \times 100 \times (0.2)^2 = 8\) J.

2. Which type of muscle is under voluntary control?

• A. Smooth muscle
• B. Cardiac muscle
• C. Skeletal muscle
• D. Involuntary muscle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is under voluntary control, allowing for conscious movement of the body. Smooth muscle and cardiac muscle are both types of involuntary muscles that are not under conscious control. Smooth muscle is found in the walls of internal organs and blood vessels, functioning involuntarily. Cardiac muscle makes up the heart and contracts involuntarily to pump blood. Involuntary muscle (choice D) is a general term that encompasses smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, which operate involuntarily throughout the body.

3. Which of the following describes a reflex arc?

• A. The storage and recall of memory
• B. The maintenance of visual and auditory acuity
• C. The autoregulation of heart rate and blood pressure
• D. A stimulus and response controlled by the spinal cord

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D correctly describes a reflex arc. A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex action. It involves a specific sequence of events that occur in response to a stimulus, which is rapidly and involuntarily processed by the spinal cord. The spinal cord coordinates the quick processing of sensory input and the generation of a motor response without involving the brain, allowing for rapid protective responses. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe a reflex arc. A reflex arc is specifically related to the rapid and involuntary response to a stimulus through neural pathways involving the spinal cord, not memory storage, visual and auditory acuity maintenance, or heart rate and blood pressure autoregulation.

4. What determines the defining characteristic of an element?

• A. Neutrons in its nucleus
• B. Electrons surrounding the nucleus
• C. Protons in its nucleus
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The defining characteristic of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, which is referred to as the atomic number. The number of protons uniquely identifies an element. The correct answer is choice C because the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom defines its elemental identity, as different elements have a unique number of protons. Neutrons and electrons do play essential roles in the atom, but they do not determine the defining characteristic of an element. Neutrons contribute to the stability of the nucleus and isotopes of an element, while electrons are involved in chemical bonding and the reactivity of an atom.

5. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath that surrounds some axons in the nervous system?

• A. To initiate nerve impulses
• B. To transmit sensory information
• C. To speed up the transmission of nerve impulses
• D. To connect neurons at synapses

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the myelin sheath is to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses. The myelin sheath acts as an insulating layer around the axon, allowing for faster conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fiber. This insulation prevents the electrical signal from dissipating or 'leaking' out, which helps in the rapid and efficient transmission of nerve impulses along the axon. Choice A is incorrect because the myelin sheath does not initiate nerve impulses; it helps in conducting them. Choice B is incorrect as the myelin sheath's main role is not in transmitting sensory information but rather in facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses. Choice D is incorrect because the myelin sheath's function is not to connect neurons at synapses; instead, it is primarily involved in enhancing the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

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