NCLEX : General Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #331 : General Biology

Oxygen-poor blood flows from the __________ to the __________.

Possible Answers:

vena cava . . . left atrium

pulmonary veins . . . left atrium

vena cava . . . right atrium

pulmonary arteries . . . right atrium

Correct answer:

vena cava . . . right atrium

Explanation:

Deoxygenated blood from the body flows through the superior and inferior vena cava into the right atrium of the heart. From there it enters the right ventricle, then is ejected into the lungs via the pulmonary arteries. The blood is oxygenated in the lungs, then flows through the pulmonary veins into the left atrium, then into the left ventricle to be pumped back out into the body.

Example Question #332 : General Biology

How does parasympathetic innervation affect the heart?

Possible Answers:

Slows heart rate and increases cardiac output

Increases heart rate and increases cardiac output

Increases heart rate and decreases cardiac output

Slows heart rate and decreases cardiac output

Correct answer:

Slows heart rate and decreases cardiac output

Explanation:

Sympathetic innervation will decrease the heart rate, which will automatically decrease the cardiac output 

Example Question #11 : Circulatory System

Which of the following causes the S1 heart sound (lub)?

Possible Answers:

The opening of the tricuspid and mitral (AV) valves

The closing of the tricuspid and mitral (AV) valves

The opening of the aortic and pulmonary valves

The closing of the aortic and pulmonary valves

Correct answer:

The closing of the tricuspid and mitral (AV) valves

Explanation:

The S1 heart sound (sometimes referred to as "lub") is caused by the sudden snapping-shut of the tricuspid and mitral valves during systole, when the heart contracts and tension on the chordae tendinae is released. No sound is produced on the opening of these or any other valves in the heart.

Example Question #12 : Circulatory System

The contraction rate is set in what area of the heart?

Possible Answers:

The sinoatrial node

The Purkinje fibers

The atrioventricular node

The bundle of His

Correct answer:

The sinoatrial node

Explanation:

The contraction rate for the heart is set by the cells of the sinoatrial node, also known as the pacemaker cells of the heart. These cells have membranes that are especially permeable to ions, and are able to depolarize on their own at a rate of 70-100 beats per minute. All the other areas listed do have their own spontaneous contractility, but their rates are slower than that of the sinoatrial node. Thus, the sinoatrial node is the pacemaker in a healthy heart.

Example Question #1 : Systemic Circulation

Which of the following is the proper unit of measurement for blood pressure?

Possible Answers:

IU

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The proper unit when recording a patient's blood pressure is mmHg, or millimeter of mercury. This is derived from a historical measurement of how many millimeters of mercury in a mercury manometer were able to be elevated by a particular pressure. Due to it's toxicity,  are longer used in medical equipment, though the  unit remains in use.

Example Question #2 : Systemic Circulation

A patient has a 49 year history of hypertension. Which part of the heart would be most enlarged on echocardiogram?

Possible Answers:

Right ventricle

Left ventricle

Pulmonary artery

Right atrium

Left atrium

Correct answer:

Left ventricle

Explanation:

The left ventricle is the most commonly enlarged heart structure seen in chronic hypertension. The left ventricle must overcome the afterload of the arterial system by becoming hypertrophied. As a result, the heart gets remodeled to overcome the systemic high blood pressures. The left ventricle directly pumps blood from the heart to the systemic circuit.

Example Question #1 : Lymphatic System

What organ of the lymphatic system is the site of T-cell maturation?

Possible Answers:

The thymus

The spleen

The cisterna chyli

The lymph nodes

Correct answer:

The thymus

Explanation:

T-cell maturation occurs in the thymus, a small organ located in the upper part of the mediastinum, between the heart and the sternum. Mature T cells then may either circulate in the lymph or blood or reside in lymph nodes. The spleen is not a site of T cell maturation, though it does have other important immune functions, such as the production of antibodies and the removal of antibody-coated pathogens. The cisterna chyli is a part of the lymphatic system that is involved in lipid digestion.

Example Question #331 : General Biology

Digestive fat is absorbed through what specialized lymphatic vessels of the small intestine?

Possible Answers:

Microvilli

Villi

Lacteals

The cisterna chyli

Correct answer:

Lacteals

Explanation:

Dietary fat is absorbed via lacteals, small lymph vessels contained within the body of the intestinal villi. Microvilli, tiny projections covering the surface of the villi, help with the absorption of minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. The cisterna chyli is a dilated pouch at the lower end of the thoracic duct that serves as a collection point for fatty chyle from the intestinal lacteals.

Example Question #3 : Lymphatic System

Which of the following is not a function of the lymphatic system?

Possible Answers:

Draining of interstitial fluid from tissues

Lymphocyte transport and activation

Absorption and transportation of dietary fats

Secondary gas exchange

Correct answer:

Secondary gas exchange

Explanation:

The lymphatic system has several roles in the body, including drainage of interstitial fluid from tissues, transportation and activation of lymphocytes, and absorption and transportation of dietary fats. Red blood cells, however, are unable to enter lymph vessels, and so the lymphatic system does not participate in any type of gas exchange.

Example Question #45 : Circulatory And Respiratory Systems

When drawing blood, the client tells the nurse that she is a universal recipient. The nurse knows this to mean that the patient has which type of blood?
Possible Answers:
O negative
AB positive
A positive
AB negative
Correct answer: AB positive
Explanation: AB positive is a universal recipient, meaning a patient with AB positive type blood can receive a blood transfusion using any type of blood.
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