Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is specialized tissue in the right atrium that acts as the heart’s natural pacemaker by generating the electrical signal for the heartbeat?

• A. sinus venosus
• B. sinoatrial node
• C. atrioventricular node
• D. tricuspid valve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sinoatrial node, often referred to as the SA node, is specialized tissue located in the right atrium of the heart. It functions as the heart's natural pacemaker by generating the electrical signal that initiates each heartbeat. This electrical signal spreads to the atrial muscles and then to the atrioventricular node, causing the heart to contract rhythmically and efficiently. The other options listed do not serve as the heart's natural pacemaker responsible for generating the electrical signal for the heartbeat. Sinus venosus is a developmental structure in fetal hearts, the atrioventricular node delays the electrical signal, and the tricuspid valve is a heart valve that prevents backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium.

2. DNA has both a 'sense' and 'antisense' strand. What is true about the antisense strand?

• A. It runs 5' to 3'.
• B. It runs 3' to 5'.
• C. It is used in replication.
• D. It is the direction DNA is stored.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It runs 3' to 5'. The antisense strand runs in the 3' to 5' direction, complementing the sense strand. Choice A is incorrect as the antisense strand runs in the opposite direction, which is 3' to 5'. Choice C is incorrect because the antisense strand is not directly involved in replication. Choice D is incorrect as the direction DNA is stored is not determined by the antisense strand.

3. What causes lymphedema, a chronic condition, to occur?

• A. Inflammation of lymph nodes
• B. Blockage of lymph vessels
• C. Malfunction of the spleen
• D. Decrease in bone marrow production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs when lymph vessels become blocked, leading to swelling and fluid retention in the affected area. Inflammation of lymph nodes, spleen malfunction, or decreased bone marrow production are not directly associated with the development of lymphedema. Lymph vessels play a crucial role in carrying lymphatic fluid, and when they are blocked, it disrupts the normal flow of fluid, resulting in lymphedema. Therefore, the correct answer is that lymphedema occurs when lymph vessels become blocked.

4. Which feedback loop inhibits the stimulus or the deviation from homeostasis?

• A. Negative feedback loop
• B. Positive feedback loop
• C. Inhibitory feedback loop
• D. Stimulating feedback loop

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Negative feedback loop. Negative feedback loops work to inhibit the stimulus or reduce the deviation from a set point, maintaining homeostasis by counteracting any changes from the norm. In this case, the negative feedback loop acts to minimize any deviation from the body's internal balance, ensuring stability and optimal functioning. Choice B, a positive feedback loop, amplifies the stimulus or deviation, moving systems away from homeostasis. Choice C, an inhibitory feedback loop, is not a commonly recognized term in the context of feedback mechanisms. Choice D, a stimulating feedback loop, is not a standard term and does not accurately describe a feedback loop's role in maintaining homeostasis.

5. Which valve prevents blood from entering the left atrium when the ventricles contract?

• A. Pulmonary valve
• B. Tricuspid valve
• C. Mitral valve
• D. Aortic valve

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve. The mitral valve prevents blood from flowing back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle, the pulmonary valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, and the aortic valve is situated between the left ventricle and the aorta. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not related to preventing blood from entering the left atrium during ventricular contraction.

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