Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following statements regarding the working of the heart is not correct?

• A. The atria contract, and the valves open to allow blood into the ventricles.
• B. The heartbeat begins when the heart muscles relax, and blood flows into the atria.
• C. The valves close to stop blood from flowing backward.
• D. The ventricles contract, forcing blood to leave the heart.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the heartbeat actually begins when the heart muscles relax, allowing the chambers to fill with blood. The contraction phase follows, which propels blood out of the heart. The other statements are accurate in describing the normal sequence of events in the heart's functioning: the atria contract to push blood into the ventricles, the valves close to prevent backflow of blood, and the ventricles contract to pump blood out of the heart.

2. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. What is its primary function?

• A. Regulate blood pressure
• B. Stimulate the digestive system
• C. Control sleep-wake cycles
• D. Maintain bone density

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Melatonin is primarily known for its role in controlling sleep-wake cycles. It is produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness, helping signal the body that it is time to sleep. Melatonin levels typically rise in the evening and stay elevated throughout the night, promoting sleep. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as melatonin's primary function is not to regulate blood pressure, stimulate the digestive system, or maintain bone density. While melatonin may have some indirect effects on these functions, its main role lies in regulating the circadian rhythm and promoting a restful sleep cycle.

3. Which term refers to a position toward the feet? For example, the foot is part of the inferior extremity.

• A. Anterior
• B. Posterior
• C. Superior
• D. Inferior

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Inferior.' 'Inferior' refers to a position located towards the feet or lower part of the body. This is the opposite of 'superior,' which indicates a position towards the head or upper part of the body. 'Anterior' refers to the front of the body, 'posterior' refers to the back of the body, making them incorrect choices in this context.

4. What is the main function of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located above the larynx?

• A. To warm and humidify inhaled air
• B. To control the passage of food and air
• C. To produce sound vibrations for speech
• D. To sense the presence of foreign objects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the epiglottis is to control the passage of food and air. It acts as a cover for the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. This mechanism ensures that food safely travels down the esophagus to the stomach, while air simultaneously enters the trachea and moves into the lungs for respiration. Choice A is incorrect as the warming and humidifying of inhaled air primarily occur in the nasal cavity. Choice C is incorrect because sound production for speech involves structures like the vocal cords rather than the epiglottis. Choice D is incorrect as sensing foreign objects is not a primary function of the epiglottis; instead, this role is typically associated with sensory receptors in the respiratory tract.

5. Which division of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, enabling voluntary muscle movements?

• A. Somatic nervous system
• B. Autonomic nervous system
• C. Sympathetic nervous system
• D. Parasympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the somatic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, allowing for voluntary muscle movements. The autonomic nervous system, sympathetic nervous system, and parasympathetic nervous system are not involved in voluntary muscle movements. Instead, they regulate involuntary functions of the body such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not associated with voluntary muscle movements.

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