Nursing Elites

1. Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through which of the following structures?

• A. Schwann cell
• B. ganglion
• C. synapse
• D. axon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through a structure called the synapse. The synapse is a specialized junction where the axon of one neuron meets the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal between the two neurons. Choice A, Schwann cell, is incorrect as Schwann cells are responsible for producing myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system, not for transmitting neurotransmitters between neurons. Choice B, ganglion, is incorrect as ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system and do not directly participate in the transmission of chemical messages between neurons. Choice D, axon, is incorrect as the axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, but it is not the structure across which neurotransmitters travel to communicate between neurons.

2. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in the:

• A. Center of long bones
• B. Joints between bones
• C. Muscle tissue
• D. Walls of blood vessels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in the joints between bones. It provides cushioning and support for the bones, allowing smooth movement and reducing friction between them. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and helps maintain the structural integrity of the joints. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because cartilage is not typically found in the center of long bones, muscle tissue, or the walls of blood vessels. Cartilage primarily functions in providing structural support and flexibility in joints.

3. What is a reaction between an acid and a base known as?

• A. Precipitation
• B. Neutralization
• C. Oxidation-reduction
• D. Photolysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Neutralization. When an acid and a base react, they neutralize each other's properties, resulting in the formation of water and a salt. Choice A, 'Precipitation,' refers to the formation of a solid from a solution during a chemical reaction. Choice C, 'Oxidation-reduction,' involves the transfer of electrons between reactants. Choice D, 'Photolysis,' is a reaction where a compound is broken down into smaller components by light energy. Therefore, the most appropriate term for a reaction between an acid and a base is neutralization.

4. Which of the following is the region of the brain that controls and regulates autonomic functions such as respiration, digestion, and heart rate?

• A. cerebellum
• B. medulla oblongata
• C. temporal lobe
• D. cerebral cortex

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer. It is the region of the brain located at the base of the brainstem responsible for regulating autonomic functions such as respiration, digestion, and heart rate. These functions are essential for maintaining life. The cerebellum (Option A), temporal lobe (Option C), and cerebral cortex (Option D) do not control these autonomic functions. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, the temporal lobe is associated with memory and hearing, and the cerebral cortex is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making.

5. Which of the following compound sentences is punctuated correctly?

• A. The Forlows would be spending two weeks in Greece and Turkey.
• B. She was awake the minute the sun came up; although she had been up late the night before.
• C. Diana stepped out into the rain, but she had to turn immediately back inside for an umbrella.
• D. Aziz was astonished; he had never seen horses in the wild before.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer because it correctly punctuates the compound sentence with a semicolon separating the two independent clauses. The use of a semicolon is appropriate when two closely related independent clauses are joined without a coordinating conjunction. Choices A, B, and C have incorrect punctuation or conjunction usage. Choice A incorrectly uses a comma before 'and,' while Choice B uses 'though' which is not the best conjunction to join the two clauses. Choice C also lacks appropriate punctuation to separate the two independent clauses.

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