Nursing Elites

1. During swallowing, what is the role of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located near the base of the tongue?

• A. Initiates the swallowing reflex
• B. Grinds food into smaller pieces
• C. Covers the trachea to prevent food aspiration
• D. Stores saliva for lubrication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis plays a crucial role during swallowing by covering the trachea to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway, which could lead to aspiration. By acting as a lid over the trachea, it ensures that food passes down the esophagus to the stomach, preventing it from entering the lungs. Choice A is incorrect as the swallowing reflex is a coordinated muscular action involving the tongue and throat muscles. Choice B is incorrect as grinding food into smaller pieces is primarily the function of the teeth and the initial stages of digestion. Choice D is incorrect as the storage of saliva for lubrication is not a function of the epiglottis, but rather involves salivary glands.

2. Where is the scapula in relation to the olecranon?

• A. Distal
• B. Lateral
• C. Ventral
• D. Superior

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Superior.' The scapula is located superior to the olecranon. In anatomical terms, 'superior' refers to a position above or higher than a reference point. 'Distal' is a term used to describe a position farther away from the point of attachment or origin. 'Lateral' refers to a position further away from the midline of the body. 'Ventral' refers to the front or anterior side of the body. In this case, the scapula being superior to the olecranon means it is positioned above the olecranon bone.

3. What is the atomic number of an atom?

• A. The number of protons in an atom
• B. The number of neutrons in an atom
• C. The number of electrons in an atom
• D. The sum of protons and neutrons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The atomic number of an atom is the number of protons in its nucleus. This number uniquely identifies the element, as each element has a distinct number of protons. Neutrons and electrons play roles in the atom's structure and stability, but the atomic number specifically refers to the number of protons. Choice B (The number of neutrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it only represents the number of protons. Choice C (The number of electrons in an atom) is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons, which can vary in different atomic configurations. Choice D (The sum of protons and neutrons) is incorrect because it refers to the mass number of an atom, which is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, not just the protons.

4. What is the process in which RNA polymerase copies DNA into RNA, with DNA unwinding and serving as a template while RNA is assembled?

• A. Replication
• B. Transcription
• C. Translation
• D. Duplication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Transcription. Transcription is the process where RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand and synthesizes RNA, following the base-pairing rules. During transcription, DNA unwinds and serves as a template for the assembly of complementary RNA molecules. Replication (Choice A) is the process of making an identical copy of DNA, not RNA from DNA. Translation (Choice C) is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. Duplication (Choice D) is a general term and does not specifically refer to the process described in the question.

5. Which of the following substances is NOT a product of cellular respiration?

• A. Carbon dioxide
• B. Water
• C. Oxygen
• D. ATP

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Oxygen is not a product of cellular respiration; instead, it is consumed during the process. During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP, carbon dioxide, and water. Carbon dioxide is released as a waste product, water is a byproduct of the chemical reactions, and ATP is the energy currency used by cells. Therefore, options A, B, and D are all products or outcomes of cellular respiration, while oxygen is a reactant.

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