Nursing Elites

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

• A. Medulla oblongata
• B. Pons
• C. Midbrain
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It houses centers that oversee these involuntary processes, making it the correct answer. The pons, midbrain, and thalamus do not primarily control heart rate and breathing, thus making them incorrect choices for this question.

2. The small intestine is where most of the chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occur. What is the finger-like projection in the small intestine that increases its surface area for absorption?

• A. Rugae
• B. Villi
• C. Microvilli
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Microvilli are the finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase its surface area for absorption. Villi are also present in the small intestine and help increase the surface area for absorption. However, microvilli are smaller structures found on the surface of villi, further increasing the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Rugae are folds in the stomach that allow for expansion when food is consumed and are not found in the small intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Microvilli. Villi and microvilli are specific to the small intestine, playing vital roles in nutrient absorption, while rugae are specific to the stomach's structure and function, serving a different purpose than increasing surface area for absorption.

3. The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear

• A. Pink
• B. Blue
• C. Red
• D. Purple

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.

4. Dendrites are finger-like extensions found on

• A. Muscle cells
• B. Connective tissue cells
• C. Neurons
• D. Epithelial cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dendrites are the branched extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons and transmit those signals to the cell body. They play a crucial role in the communication process within the nervous system, allowing neurons to communicate with each other and integrate incoming signals to generate responses. The other choices are incorrect because dendrites specifically belong to neurons, not muscle cells, connective tissue cells, or epithelial cells.

5. Which of the following is an example of a secondary alcohol?

• A. Methanol
• B. Ethanol
• C. Isopropanol
• D. Butanol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isopropanol is indeed an example of a secondary alcohol because the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group is bonded to two other carbon atoms. In isopropanol, the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to two other carbon atoms. Methanol (Choice A) is a primary alcohol with the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to one other carbon atom. Ethanol (Choice B) is also a primary alcohol with the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to one other carbon atom. Butanol (Choice D) is a primary alcohol with the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to three other carbon atoms, making it a primary alcohol.

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