Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which skin condition is characterized by patches of inflamed, reddened skin and is often triggered by allergens or stress?

• A. Eczema
• B. Psoriasis
• C. Acne
• D. Vitiligo

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Eczema is the correct answer. It presents as patches of inflamed, reddened skin and can be triggered by allergens, stress, or other factors. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is characterized by red, scaly patches rather than inflamed and reddened skin. Acne manifests as pimples and blemishes, not patches of inflamed skin. Vitiligo is characterized by the loss of skin color in patches, which is distinct from the symptoms described in the question.

3. When a biologist describes the physical and visible expression of a genetic trait, which of the following is being referred to?

• A. Phenotype
• B. Allele
• C. Gamete
• D. Genotype

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phenotype. Phenotype specifically refers to the observable physical characteristics resulting from the interaction of an individual's genetic makeup (genotype) with environmental influences. It represents the outward expression of an organism's genetic makeup. Allele, represented by choice B, refers to different forms of a gene and is not the visible expression of a trait. Gamete, represented by choice C, is a reproductive cell and not directly related to the physical expression of traits. Genotype, represented by choice D, refers to the genetic makeup of an organism and is distinct from the observable physical characteristics denoted by phenotype.

4. Which muscular chamber of the heart receives blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs?

• A. Right atrium
• B. Left atrium
• C. Right ventricle
• D. Left ventricle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the right atrium. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the superior and inferior vena cava. It then pumps this deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery for oxygenation. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle. The right ventricle receives oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs. The left ventricle receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumps it to the rest of the body.

5. Where does the nerve impulses send neurotransmitters across a synapse to a muscle cell to stimulate muscle contraction?

• A. sarcomere
• B. tendon
• C. myelin sheath
• D. neuromuscular junction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The neuromuscular junction is the specific area where nerve impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters that cross the synaptic gap to bind to receptors on the muscle cell membrane. This binding initiates muscle contraction by stimulating the muscle cell. The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit in a muscle fiber, not the location where nerve impulses communicate with muscle cells. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not involved in transmitting nerve impulses. The myelin sheath is a protective covering around nerve fibers but is not directly involved in transmitting neurotransmitters to muscle cells for muscle contraction.

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