Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the epiglottis?

• A. Produces saliva
• B. Senses taste
• C. Prevents food from entering the windpipe
• D. Filters blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action ensures that food and liquids are directed to the esophagus and down into the stomach, rather than entering the respiratory system, which could lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they describe functions of other structures in the body that are not related to the role of the epiglottis.

2. Why does a prism separate white light into its constituent spectral components?

• A. It absorbs certain colors
• B. Different colors experience varying speeds within the prism
• C. It bends all colors with the same magnitude
• D. It reflects specific colors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A prism separates white light into its constituent spectral components because different colors experience varying speeds within the prism due to their different wavelengths. This causes the light to refract at different angles, resulting in the separation of colors. When light enters the prism, it undergoes dispersion, where different colors are refracted at different angles due to their unique wavelengths. This phenomenon is known as chromatic dispersion. Choice A is incorrect because a prism does not absorb colors but refracts and disperses them. Choice C is incorrect because a prism refracts different colors at different angles, not with the same magnitude. Choice D is incorrect because a prism does not reflect colors but refracts and disperses them based on their wavelengths.

3. What is the fluid-filled, jelly-like substance within the cell that suspends the organelles called?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Plasma membrane
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, cytoplasm. Cytoplasm is the fluid-filled, jelly-like substance within the cell that suspends the organelles. The nucleus, not the correct answer, is the organelle that contains the cell's genetic material. The plasma membrane, another incorrect choice, is the outer boundary of the cell that regulates what enters and exits the cell. The Golgi apparatus, also an incorrect choice, is an organelle involved in processing and packaging proteins.

4. Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland?

• A. Insulin
• B. Thyroxine
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Cortisol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroxine. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine, a hormone essential for regulating metabolism. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for the 'fight or flight' response. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex in response to stress, not by the thyroid gland.

5. Bone is primarily composed of which of the following inorganic materials?

• A. calcium
• B. magnesium
• C. collagen
• D. potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bone is primarily composed of calcium, making up about 70% of its inorganic content. Calcium is essential for bone strength and structure, playing a key role in maintaining bone health. Choice B, magnesium, while important for bone health, is found in smaller amounts in bones compared to calcium. Choice C, collagen, is a protein and is a major organic component of bone, not an inorganic material. Choice D, potassium, is an essential mineral for various bodily functions but is not a primary inorganic material found in bones.

Similar Questions