Nursing Elites

1. What is the name of the structure that prevents food from entering the airway?

• A. trachea
• B. esophagus
• C. diaphragm
• D. epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the airway. It acts as a lid over the trachea during swallowing, directing food to the esophagus instead of the windpipe (trachea). The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that allows air to pass into the lungs, the esophagus (Choice B) is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, and the diaphragm (Choice C) is a muscle involved in breathing and not in preventing food passage.

2. Which type of blood cell is involved in clotting?

• A. Red blood cells
• B. White blood cells
• C. Platelets
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing. They are responsible for forming blood clots to stop bleeding when a blood vessel is injured, making them the correct choice in this context. Red blood cells (Choice A) are primarily involved in oxygen transport, white blood cells (Choice B) are part of the immune system, and plasma (Choice D) is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances.

3. The corpus callosum facilitates communication between which brain structures?

• A. the left and right brain
• B. the skeletal and neural systems
• C. the brain and spinal cord
• D. the thalamus and hypothalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corpus callosum is a structure in the brain that enables communication between the two hemispheres. It allows for the transfer of various types of information, such as motor, sensory, and cognitive, between the left and right brain hemispheres, aiding in overall brain function and integration of tasks. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not involve the specific brain structures connected by the corpus callosum.

4. What is a common finding in a whiplash injury?

• A. Cardiopulmonary issues
• B. Side-to-side spinal curvature
• C. Eventual herniation of discs
• D. Traumatic injury to ligaments

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A common finding in a whiplash injury is a traumatic injury to ligaments. Whiplash occurs due to sudden hyperextension and hyperflexion of the neck, leading to strain or tearing of ligaments in the neck. This can manifest as neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. While other complications like cardiopulmonary problems, side-to-side spinal curvature, or eventual herniation of discs are not typically associated with whiplash injuries.

5. Which gland is responsible for regulating metabolism?

• A. Pituitary gland
• B. Adrenal gland
• C. Thyroid gland
• D. Pineal gland

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism. It produces hormones such as thyroxine, which plays a key role in influencing the body's metabolic rate. The pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' but is not directly responsible for regulating metabolism. The adrenal gland is involved in the stress response and producing hormones like cortisol, not primarily regulating metabolism. The pineal gland produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, not metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland.

Similar Questions