Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. When a muscle shortens and generates force, this is called a:

• A. Contraction
• B. Relaxation
• C. Extension
• D. Atrophy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a muscle shortens and generates force, it is contracting. Contraction is the process by which muscle fibers develop tension and exert a pulling force on the bones they are attached to, resulting in movement. Relaxation refers to the phase when a muscle returns to its original length, allowing for rest or preparation for the next contraction. Extension, on the other hand, is the movement that increases the angle between body parts, moving them further apart. Atrophy is unrelated to muscle contraction and refers to the wasting away or decrease in size of muscle tissue due to disuse or disease. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Contraction.'

3. What is the purpose of sodium bicarbonate when released into the lumen of the small intestine?

• A. It works to chemically digest fats in the chyme.
• B. It decreases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.
• C. It works to chemically digest proteins in the chyme.
• D. It increases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sodium bicarbonate, when released into the lumen of the small intestine, functions to increase the pH of the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This increase in pH helps neutralize the acidity of the chyme, creating a more optimal environment for the digestive enzymes in the small intestine to function properly. Maintaining a slightly basic pH in the small intestine is crucial for overall digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate does not chemically digest fats or proteins in the chyme, and it does not decrease the pH of the chyme as it actually increases the pH to prevent harm to the intestine.

4. What property of a substance measures the amount of matter per unit volume?

• A. Mass
• B. Weight
• C. Density
• D. Volume

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Density is the property of a substance that measures the amount of matter per unit volume. It is calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, and volume is the amount of space an object occupies. Therefore, in this context, density is the correct answer as it specifically relates to the concentration of matter within a given volume.

5. Which of the following organs is responsible for producing bile?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Liver
• C. Gallbladder
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver. The liver is responsible for producing bile, which aids in fat digestion. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes, the gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, and the stomach primarily secretes gastric acid for digestion. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly produce bile.

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