Nursing Elites

1. Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brainstem and is responsible for controlling vital involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The cerebrum, although the largest part of the brain, is primarily responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary muscle movements. The cerebellum is involved in coordination, balance, and muscle control. The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly responsible for regulating involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate. Therefore, the correct answer is the medulla oblongata.

2. How many neutrons are in an atom of the following element with a mass number of 50?

• A. 38
• B. 88
• C. 50
• D. 126

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom along with protons. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number. In this case, the mass number given is 50. Since the atomic number is not specified, we can infer it from the choices provided. The mass number of an element represents the total sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the number of neutrons in this atom would also be 50, as the mass number is equivalent to the combined number of protons and neutrons, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not match the given mass number of 50.

3. Which brain area can lead to difficulty with language and speech if damaged?

• A. Broca's area
• B. Wernicke's area
• C. Occipital lobe
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Damage to Broca's area, located in the frontal lobe of the brain, can result in difficulties with language and speech production. Broca's area is responsible for speech production and coordinating the muscles involved in speech. Damage to this area can lead to Broca's aphasia, characterized by struggles in forming words and sentences. On the other hand, damage to Wernicke's area in the temporal lobe can cause issues with language comprehension and producing meaningful language, leading to Wernicke's aphasia. The occipital lobe primarily processes visual information, while the cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movement and balance, not language and speech.

4. Which of the following structures is responsible for gas exchange in the lungs?

• A. Bronchi
• B. Alveoli
• C. Trachea
• D. Diaphragm

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the blood vessels surrounding the alveoli, while carbon dioxide from the blood is released into the alveoli to be exhaled. The bronchi are air passages that carry air into the lungs but do not participate in gas exchange. The trachea is the windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi and serves as an airway for breathing. The diaphragm is a muscle that aids in the breathing process by contracting and relaxing to change the volume of the chest cavity.

5. What happens during expiration?

• A. The diaphragm contracts and the thoracic cavity expands.
• B. The diaphragm relaxes and the thoracic cavity contracts.
• C. The thoracic cavity expands, increasing pressure.
• D. The diaphragm relaxes and moves upward.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. During expiration, the diaphragm relaxes, causing the thoracic cavity to contract. As the thoracic cavity decreases in size, the pressure inside the lungs increases, leading to air flowing out of the lungs. This process helps to expel carbon dioxide-rich air from the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. In choice A, the diaphragm contracting and the thoracic cavity expanding describes inspiration, not expiration. Choice C is incorrect because during expiration, the thoracic cavity actually decreases in size. Choice D is incorrect as the diaphragm moving upward is not a typical movement associated with expiration.

Similar Questions