Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?

• A. To carry oxygen
• B. To clot blood
• C. To fight infection
• D. To transport nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To clot blood.' Platelets play a crucial role in the clotting process, forming a plug at the site of blood vessel injury to prevent excessive bleeding. While red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells fight infection, and nutrients are transported by plasma, platelets are specifically responsible for blood clotting. Choice A is incorrect because red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen. Choice C is incorrect because white blood cells are primarily involved in fighting infection. Choice D is incorrect as the transport of nutrients is mainly carried out by plasma, not platelets.

2. When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:

• A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
• B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
• C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
• D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

3. Acids are generally characterized by a sour taste and the ability to:

• A. Turn litmus paper red
• B. Conduct electricity in solution
• C. Neutralize bases
• D. React explosively with metals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acids are known for their sour taste and their ability to neutralize bases, which is a defining characteristic of their acidic nature. When acids neutralize bases, salts and water are formed, highlighting the unique property of acids. The other options are incorrect: Option A, 'Turn litmus paper red,' is a test for acidity but not a defining characteristic of acids; Option B, 'Conduct electricity in solution,' pertains to the electrolytic properties of acids rather than their defining trait; Option D, 'React explosively with metals,' is not a general characteristic of acids. Therefore, the correct feature associated with acids is their capability to neutralize bases, making option C, 'Neutralize bases,' the correct answer.

4. What is the difference between a ventral and dorsal root of a spinal nerve?

• A. Ventral carries motor, dorsal carries sensory information.
• B. Ventral carries sensory, dorsal carries motor information.
• C. Ventral is larger, dorsal is smaller.
• D. Ventral is located anteriorly, dorsal is posteriorly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ventral carries motor, dorsal carries sensory information. In the spinal nerve, the ventral root carries motor information from the spinal cord to the muscles, while the dorsal root carries sensory information from the peripheral sensory receptors to the spinal cord. Therefore, other choices are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect as it states the opposite roles of ventral and dorsal roots. Choice C is incorrect as the size comparison between ventral and dorsal roots is not related to their functions. Choice D is incorrect as the terms 'anteriorly' and 'posteriorly' are not commonly used to describe the locations of ventral and dorsal roots in relation to each other.

5. How does sunscreen protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays?

• A. By reflecting UV rays away from the skin
• B. By absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat
• C. By blocking UV rays completely
• D. By stimulating melanin production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat. This mechanism helps to prevent the UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage such as sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Reflecting UV rays away from the skin (option A) is not the primary function of sunscreen. While sunscreen does block UV rays, it does not do so completely (option C) as some UV rays may still penetrate the skin. Sunscreen does not stimulate melanin production (option D) as a means of protecting the skin from UV rays.

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