Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following functions corresponds to the parasympathetic nervous system?

• A. It stimulates the fight-or-flight response.
• B. It increases heart rate.
• C. It stimulates digestion.
• D. It increases bronchiole dilation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the 'rest and digest' system because it promotes activities that occur when the body is at rest, such as digestion. This system helps stimulate digestion by increasing gastrointestinal motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and blood flow to the digestive organs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are functions associated with the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, increasing heart rate, and dilating bronchioles to facilitate more oxygen intake during stressful situations.

2. What is the primary function of the stomach?

• A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
• B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
• C. To produce enzymes that assist in digesting food
• D. To eliminate waste products from the body

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the stomach is to store food, churn it, and break it down into smaller pieces through mechanical digestion. This process is facilitated by the mixing of food with gastric juices, including stomach acid. The mechanical breakdown in the stomach helps initiate the digestion of food before it progresses to the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption. Absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Enzymes that aid in digesting food are primarily produced in the pancreas and small intestine, not in the stomach. The elimination of waste products from the body mainly occurs through the large intestine and rectum, not the stomach.

3. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a chemical reaction?

• A. Formation of new substances
• B. Release or absorption of energy
• C. Change in color
• D. Change in temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A change in color is not always a characteristic of a chemical reaction. While some chemical reactions may result in a change in color, it is not a universal characteristic of all chemical reactions. The formation of new substances, release or absorption of energy, and change in temperature are commonly associated with chemical reactions. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it does not always occur in every chemical reaction.

4. What are the tiny contractile units within muscle cells called?

• A. Myocytes
• B. Myofibrils
• C. Sarcomeres
• D. Tendons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sarcomeres are the smallest contractile units within muscle cells. They consist of overlapping filaments of actin and myosin proteins, which interact to produce muscle contractions. Myocytes are the entire muscle cells, myofibrils are bundles of protein filaments found within muscle cells, and tendons are tough connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. Therefore, sarcomeres specifically represent the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction, making them the correct answer in this context.

5. 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.

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