Nursing Elites

1. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

• A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
• B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
• C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
• D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

2. What is the primary function of the large intestine?

• A. To digest food
• B. To absorb water and form feces
• C. To absorb proteins
• D. To regulate blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from digested food and form feces for elimination. It does not primarily digest food, absorb proteins, or regulate blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because the large intestine does not digest food but rather absorbs nutrients and water. Choice C is incorrect as the absorption of proteins primarily occurs in the small intestine. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of blood pressure is not a primary function of the large intestine.

3. Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of pregnancy?

• A. Fatigue
• B. Nausea
• C. Increased urination
• D. Loss of appetite

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Loss of appetite.' Loss of appetite is not a common symptom of pregnancy. In fact, many pregnant individuals experience an increase in appetite due to hormonal changes and increased energy needs during pregnancy. Fatigue, nausea, and increased urination are more commonly reported symptoms during pregnancy. Fatigue is often experienced due to hormonal changes and the body's increased metabolic demands during pregnancy. Nausea, commonly known as morning sickness, is a well-known symptom experienced by many pregnant individuals. Increased urination is a common symptom in pregnancy due to hormonal changes leading to increased blood flow to the kidneys and increased fluid processing by the body.

4. What is the process of cell division in somatic (most body) cells called?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Respiration
• D. Cytogenesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer. It is the process of cell division in somatic cells, leading to the formation of two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the type of cell division that occurs in sex cells, leading to the formation of gametes with half the number of chromosomes. Respiration is a completely different biological process related to energy production, and cytogenesis is not a recognized term for cell division.

5. Smooth muscle is the only ____________ muscle in the body.

• A. Voluntary, striated
• B. Involuntary, non-striated
• C. Involuntary, striated
• D. Voluntary, non-striated

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the only involuntary, non-striated muscle type in the body. It is found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels, where it controls movements without conscious effort. Choice A is incorrect because voluntary muscles are under conscious control, while smooth muscle is involuntary. Choice C is incorrect because striations are not present in smooth muscle, unlike skeletal muscle. Choice D is incorrect because smooth muscle is not voluntary and lacks striations, making it different from skeletal muscle.

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