Nursing Elites

1. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

• A. Cramp
• B. Spasm
• C. Tic
• D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

2. What is the primary function of the coronary arteries in the cardiovascular system?

• A. Carry oxygenated blood to the heart muscle
• B. Carry deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle
• C. Pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation
• D. Regulate blood pressure in the systemic circulation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the coronary arteries is to carry oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Oxygenated blood is crucial for providing nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle cells, enabling the heart to work efficiently. Without this oxygenated blood supply, the heart muscle may not receive the required nutrients and oxygen, potentially resulting in heart damage or dysfunction. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as coronary arteries do not carry deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle, pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation, or regulate blood pressure in the systemic circulation. The coronary arteries specifically supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle to support its function and vitality.

3. What is the condition called when someone experiences a temporary loss of consciousness due to a lack of blood flow to the brain?

• A. Stroke
• B. Epilepsy
• C. Syncope (fainting)
• D. Multiple sclerosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Syncope, also known as fainting, is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. This can occur due to various reasons such as low blood pressure, dehydration, or sudden emotional stress. Strokes involve a disruption of blood flow to the brain resulting in brain cell damage. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. In this case, the correct answer is 'Syncope' as it directly relates to the temporary loss of consciousness due to decreased blood flow to the brain, distinguishing it from the other options which involve different conditions affecting the nervous system.

4. Which of the following stimulates adaptive immunity?

• A. Peptides
• B. Phagocytes
• C. Prions
• D. Platelets

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Prions. Prions are infectious proteins that can stimulate an adaptive immune response by triggering the production of specific antibodies. Peptides are fragments of proteins and can be processed and presented by antigen-presenting cells to activate T cells, which play a role in adaptive immunity. Phagocytes, such as macrophages, are part of the innate immune system and are involved in engulfing and destroying pathogens, but they do not directly stimulate adaptive immunity. Platelets are primarily involved in blood clotting and are not directly related to stimulating adaptive immunity.

5. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

• A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
• B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
• C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
• D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

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