Nursing Elites

1. Bile, a yellowish-green fluid, is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine during digestion. What is the primary function of bile in digestion?

• A. Break down carbohydrates
• B. Break down proteins
• C. Emulsify fats
• D. Neutralize stomach acid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of bile in digestion is to emulsify fats. Bile contains bile salts that help break down large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for enzymes to work on and aiding in the absorption of fats in the small intestine. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because bile's main role is not to break down carbohydrates or proteins, nor to neutralize stomach acid; rather, it primarily assists in the digestion and absorption of fats through emulsification.

2. An atom has 17 protons, 20 neutrons, and 17 electrons. What is its mass, in amu?

• A. 17
• B. 20
• C. 37
• D. 54

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The atomic mass of an atom is the sum of the protons and neutrons in its nucleus. In this case, the atom has 17 protons and 20 neutrons, totaling 37 particles in the nucleus. Electrons are not considered in the atomic mass calculation as their mass is negligible compared to protons and neutrons. Therefore, the mass of the atom in atomic mass units (amu) is 37.

3. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Norepinephrine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

4. What are the tiny contractile units within muscle cells called?

• A. Myocytes
• B. Myofibrils
• C. Sarcomeres
• D. Tendons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sarcomeres are the smallest contractile units within muscle cells. They consist of overlapping filaments of actin and myosin proteins, which interact to produce muscle contractions. Myocytes are the entire muscle cells, myofibrils are bundles of protein filaments found within muscle cells, and tendons are tough connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. Therefore, sarcomeres specifically represent the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction, making them the correct answer in this context.

5. Mesosomes are the internal extensions of which of the following?

• A. Capsule
• B. Cell membranes
• C. Cell wall
• D. Chromatin body

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mesosomes are the internal extensions of the cell membrane, not the capsule, cell wall, or chromatin body. They play a crucial role in cell division and are essential for various cellular processes such as respiration and cell wall formation. Mesosomes are not associated with the capsule (choice A), cell wall (choice C), or chromatin body (choice D), making these options incorrect.

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