women were more likely to die in childbirth in the 18th century than in the 21st century what is a possible explanation for why women are less likely

ATI TEAS 7

Science TEAS Practice Test

1. In the 18th century, women were more likely to die in childbirth compared to the 21st century. What is a possible explanation for why women are less likely to die in childbirth in the present age?

A. Doctors are better equipped to perform cesarean sections.
B. Doctors have more tools to monitor mothers during childbirth, enabling earlier detection of complications.
C. Doctors practice good hand hygiene to prevent the transfer of germs and infections.
D. All of the statements above provide reasonable explanations for the decrease in mortality during childbirth.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All options are valid explanations for the decrease in maternal mortality during childbirth in modern times. Improved medical knowledge and technology have enabled doctors to perform cesarean sections more effectively, monitor mothers more closely for early detection of complications, and maintain better hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infections. Therefore, all the given statements collectively contribute to the reduction in maternal mortality rates in the 21st century.

2. Which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins?

A. Pepsin
B. Lipase
C. Amylase
D. Maltase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pepsin. Pepsin is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which becomes activated by the acidic environment in the stomach. Pepsin functions by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, which are further digested by other enzymes in the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrates, and maltase for converting maltose into glucose. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and converting maltose, respectively, not proteins.

3. 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.

4. When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:

A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

5. Which of the following properties is characteristic of water?

A. Water has a neutral pH.
B. Water has a low specific heat capacity.
C. Water has polar covalent bonds.
D. Water can dissolve almost any solid, liquid, or gas.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because water's polarity enables it to dissolve a wide variety of substances, making it a versatile solvent. This property is due to water's ability to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules, allowing it to break them apart and surround the solute particles, facilitating dissolution. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as water having a neutral pH, a high specific heat capacity, and polar covalent bonds are also true properties of water. However, the most relevant property related to its versatility as a solvent is its dissolving capability.