Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the pleurae?

• A. To compartmentalize and lubricate the lungs
• B. To facilitate the flow of air
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To serve as the passageway for air

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pleurae play a crucial role in compartmentalizing and lubricating the lungs. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This double-layered structure reduces friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing movements, allowing smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, 'To facilitate the flow of air,' is incorrect because while the pleurae are involved in the respiratory process, their primary function is not to directly facilitate the flow of air. Option C, 'To produce mucus,' is incorrect as the production of mucus is not a primary function of the pleurae. Option D, 'To serve as the passageway for air,' is incorrect as the passageway for air refers to the air passages like the trachea and bronchi, not the pleurae. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately describes the function of the pleurae.

2. Which of the following substances is typically a good conductor of electricity when dissolved in water?

• A. Sugar
• B. Sodium chloride
• C. Olive oil
• D. Oxygen gas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sodium chloride (table salt) is typically a good conductor of electricity when dissolved in water because it dissociates into ions (sodium cations and chloride anions) that can carry an electric current. Sugar (choice A), olive oil (choice C), and oxygen gas (choice D) do not dissociate into ions in water and therefore are not good conductors of electricity. Sugar does not dissociate into ions in water, so it cannot conduct electricity. Olive oil and oxygen gas are nonpolar substances and do not ionize in water, making them poor conductors of electricity.

3. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. What enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Trypsin is the correct enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids. It is produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine to facilitate protein digestion. Pepsin is an enzyme from the stomach that also breaks down proteins, amylase targets carbohydrates, and lipase works on fats. In this context, since the question specifies the pancreas and small intestine, the correct answer is Trypsin as it is the pancreatic enzyme responsible for protein breakdown in the small intestine.

4. How do sweat glands help regulate body temperature?

• A. Producing sebum for lubrication
• B. Constricting blood vessels in the skin
• C. Releasing a watery fluid that evaporates for cooling
• D. Thickening the epidermis for insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sweat glands play a vital role in regulating body temperature by releasing a watery fluid that evaporates from the skin's surface. This evaporation process helps cool the body down by dissipating heat, which is essential for maintaining a stable internal temperature. Choice A is incorrect because sweat glands do not produce sebum but rather a watery fluid. Choice B is incorrect because sweating itself does not involve the constriction of blood vessels; instead, it promotes heat loss through evaporation. Choice D is incorrect as sweat glands do not thicken the epidermis for insulation but rather facilitate the cooling process through sweat evaporation.

5. What property of a substance remains constant regardless of changes in its location in the universe?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mass is the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of its location in the universe. Weight, on the other hand, is the force of gravity acting on an object and can vary depending on the gravitational pull at different locations. Density and volume can change based on the conditions the substance is in, so they are not constant properties. Therefore, the correct answer is mass as it does not change with changes in location.

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