Nursing Elites

1. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Thalamus
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum (Choice A) is primarily associated with higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, not with regulating basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The thalamus (Choice C) serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in controlling breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and balance, not in regulating respiratory and cardiac functions.

2. What is the term for the inflammation of the airways in the lungs, often causing wheezing and difficulty breathing?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Emphysema
• C. Asthma
• D. Pleurisy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by damage to the air sacs in the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath and a chronic cough. Pleurisy, on the other hand, is inflammation of the lining around the lungs, causing chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. Therefore, the correct term for the inflammation of the airways in the lungs with symptoms of wheezing and difficulty breathing is Asthma.

3. In a closed system with a gas at constant volume, what will happen to the temperature if the pressure is increased?

• A. The temperature will stay the same
• B. The temperature will decrease
• C. The temperature will increase
• D. It cannot be determined with the information given

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a closed system with a gas at constant volume, according to Gay-Lussac's law, the temperature of a gas is directly proportional to its pressure. When the pressure is increased, the temperature of the gas will also increase. This relationship is a direct consequence of the ideal gas law, where pressure and temperature are directly proportional when volume is held constant. Therefore, as pressure increases in a closed system with constant volume, the temperature of the gas will increase. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The temperature will not stay the same (Choice A) or decrease (Choice B) when the pressure is increased in this scenario. The relationship between pressure and temperature in a closed system with constant volume allows for a definitive conclusion about the increase in temperature when pressure is increased, making Choice D, which suggests inability to determine, incorrect.

4. Which property of a substance remains constant regardless of changes in its shape or size?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mass.' Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of changes in its shape or size. Weight, volume, and density can all change depending on the conditions, but mass remains the same. Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity, which can change based on the gravitational pull. Volume is the amount of space an object occupies, which can change if the shape or size of the object changes. Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume, which can change if either the mass or volume changes. Therefore, in this scenario, mass is the property that remains constant regardless of changes in shape or size.

5. What is the role of RNA interference in silencing genes?

• A. Increases protein production
• B. Promotes gene mutation
• C. Inhibits the expression of specific genes
• D. Repairs damaged DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that involves the silencing of gene expression by inhibiting the translation of mRNA or by degrading mRNA molecules. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and can be used to selectively silence specific genes. By interfering with the expression of specific genes, RNAi can downregulate protein production from those genes. Therefore, option C, 'Inhibits the expression of specific genes,' is the correct role of RNA interference in silencing genes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because RNA interference does not increase protein production, promote gene mutation, or repair damaged DNA; its primary function is to inhibit gene expression by degrading or interfering with mRNA.

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