Nursing Elites

1. What generates action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons?

• A. Glucose
• B. Sodium and potassium ions
• C. Neurotransmitters
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons, are generated by the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the neuronal membrane. This movement creates changes in the membrane potential, leading to the propagation of the electrical signal along the neuron. Glucose is a source of energy for neurons but is not directly involved in generating action potentials. Neurotransmitters are involved in communication between neurons but do not directly generate action potentials. Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates and speeds up the conduction of action potentials but does not generate them.

2. What is the term for the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Cardiac output
• D. Stroke volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Blood pressure is the term for the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Heart rate (A) is the number of times the heart beats per minute, cardiac output (C) is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, and stroke volume (D) is the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one contraction. Understanding blood pressure is crucial in assessing cardiovascular health and the risk of various conditions like hypertension.

3. Which term refers to a position toward the feet? For example, the foot is part of the inferior extremity.

• A. Anterior
• B. Posterior
• C. Superior
• D. Inferior

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Inferior.' 'Inferior' refers to a position located towards the feet or lower part of the body. This is the opposite of 'superior,' which indicates a position towards the head or upper part of the body. 'Anterior' refers to the front of the body, 'posterior' refers to the back of the body, making them incorrect choices in this context.

4. Where does bile, a substance that aids in digesting fats, originate from?

• A. Stomach
• B. Pancreas
• C. Liver
• D. Gallbladder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bile is produced by the liver to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. The liver produces bile, which is then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine to facilitate fat digestion. The stomach (option A) is responsible for the initial digestion of food through gastric juices but does not produce bile. The pancreas (option B) secretes digestive enzymes like lipase to further break down fats in the small intestine but does not produce bile. The gallbladder (option D) stores and concentrates bile but does not produce it.

5. Which term describes a position closer to the center of the body?

• A. Distal
• B. Proximal
• C. Lateral
• D. Medial

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proximal. Proximal is used to describe a position closer to the center of the body. Distal, the incorrect choice, refers to a position farther away from the center. Lateral, another incorrect choice, indicates a position on the side of the body. Medial, also an incorrect option, describes a position towards the middle or midline of the body.

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