Nursing Elites

1. Which structure of the nervous system carries an action potential in the direction of a synapse?

• A. Cell body
• B. Axon
• C. Neuron
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the axon. The axon is the elongated, threadlike part of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons or target cells, such as muscles or glands, in the direction of a synapse. Action potentials travel along the axon as electrical signals to communicate with neighboring cells. The cell body (choice A) contains the nucleus and organelles but does not transmit action potentials. Neuron (choice C) is a broad term that includes the entire nerve cell, not a specific structure. Myelin (choice D) is a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, aiding in the conduction of nerve impulses, but it does not directly carry the action potential towards a synapse.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of an interneuron?

• A. Forms neural circuits
• B. Interacts with effectors
• C. Sends impulses to the CNS
• D. Functions as an efferent nerve cell

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct characteristic of an interneuron is that it forms neural circuits, connecting sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system. Interneurons facilitate communication between different neurons in the central nervous system, helping in the processing and integration of signals. Choice B is incorrect as interneurons primarily interact with other neurons, not effectors. Choice C is incorrect as interneurons typically do not send impulses to the CNS; they operate within the CNS. Choice D is incorrect as interneurons are not efferent nerve cells; they are mainly involved in processing signals within the CNS rather than transmitting signals to effectors.

3. Which of the following is a condition characterized by a loss of bone density and increased risk of fractures?

• A. Osteoarthritis
• B. Rickets
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Scoliosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a loss of bone density, leading to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting cartilage, Rickets is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D leading to impaired bone development, and Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Therefore, the correct answer is osteoporosis as it specifically pertains to decreased bone density and fracture risk, distinguishing it from the other conditions listed.

4. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response, promoting relaxation and conservation of energy?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response, promoting relaxation, conserving energy, and facilitating activities like digestion and lowering heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system, which is not the correct answer, triggers the 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and releasing adrenaline. The somatic nervous system (choice C) controls voluntary movements, not the autonomic functions related to 'rest and digest.' The central nervous system (choice D) includes the brain and spinal cord and is not specifically involved in the autonomic regulation of bodily functions like the 'rest and digest' response.

5. What is the primary function of the digestive system?

• A. To break down food into nutrients
• B. To absorb oxygen
• C. To produce energy
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To break down food into nutrients.' The primary function of the digestive system is to break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body for energy, growth, and repair. The digestive system is not responsible for absorbing oxygen (Choice B), as that is the role of the respiratory system. While the digestion process does release energy from nutrients, the primary function is not to produce energy (Choice C), but rather to extract nutrients for energy production. Regulating body temperature (Choice D) is primarily handled by the thermoregulatory mechanisms in the body, such as the skin and sweat glands, not the digestive system.

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