Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a characteristic of an interneuron?

• A. Forms neural circuits
• B. Interacts with effectors
• C. Sends impulses to the CNS
• D. Functions as an efferent nerve cell

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct characteristic of an interneuron is that it forms neural circuits, connecting sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system. Interneurons facilitate communication between different neurons in the central nervous system, helping in the processing and integration of signals. Choice B is incorrect as interneurons primarily interact with other neurons, not effectors. Choice C is incorrect as interneurons typically do not send impulses to the CNS; they operate within the CNS. Choice D is incorrect as interneurons are not efferent nerve cells; they are mainly involved in processing signals within the CNS rather than transmitting signals to effectors.

2. What describes a cell’s reaction to being placed in a hypertonic solution?

• A. The cell will shrink as water is pulled out of the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• B. The cell will swell as water is pulled into the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• C. The cell will remain the same size since the concentrations inside and outside the cell are equal to begin with.
• D. The pH inside the cell will drop in order to equalize the pH inside and outside the cell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A cell placed in a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. This creates a concentration gradient that causes water to move out of the cell through osmosis to equalize the concentrations on both sides. As a result, the cell will shrink or undergo plasmolysis, as water is pulled out of the cell. Choice B is incorrect because a hypertonic solution causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage rather than swelling. Choice C is incorrect as a hypertonic solution results in a concentration gradient that leads to water leaving the cell, causing it to shrink. Choice D is incorrect because pH is not directly affected by being placed in a hypertonic solution; the change in solute concentration primarily impacts water movement.

3. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons, preventing them from becoming overexcited?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. GABA
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, thus preventing overexcitation. Acetylcholine (choice A) is involved in muscle control and cognitive function, but it is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity. Dopamine (choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control, rather than inhibiting neuronal firing. Serotonin (choice D) is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite but does not primarily slow down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

4. Which of the following is an example of a ball-and-socket joint?

• A. Knee
• B. Hip
• C. Elbow
• D. Wrist

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Hip. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, characterized by the spherical head of one bone (femur) fitting into the cup-like socket of another bone (pelvis). This structure allows for a wide range of motion in multiple directions, such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the knee, elbow, and wrist joints are not ball-and-socket joints. The knee is a hinge joint, allowing flexion and extension movements. The elbow is a hinge joint that allows flexion and extension, while the wrist is a condyloid joint permitting flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and circumduction movements.

5. Which term describes a position closer to the center of the body?

• A. Distal
• B. Proximal
• C. Lateral
• D. Medial

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proximal. Proximal is used to describe a position closer to the center of the body. Distal, the incorrect choice, refers to a position farther away from the center. Lateral, another incorrect choice, indicates a position on the side of the body. Medial, also an incorrect option, describes a position towards the middle or midline of the body.

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