Which of the following types of muscle is a voluntary muscle?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscles are under conscious control, allowing for voluntary movement. This type of muscle is attached to bones by tendons and helps with activities like walking and lifting. Smooth (B), pulmonary (C), and cardiac (D) muscles are involuntary muscles controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Smooth muscles are found in organs like the digestive tract, pulmonary muscles are associated with the lungs, and cardiac muscles make up the heart. They function automatically without conscious effort.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maintains blood sugar levels. The endocrine system produces hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin and glucagon help control glucose levels in the blood. A: Regulating body temperature is primarily controlled by the nervous system and thermoregulatory mechanisms. B: Giving the body shape and structure is mostly the role of the skeletal system. C: Sensing and interpreting messages from the environment is mainly the function of the nervous system.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To provide stability when a person is unsteady or has some weakness. A cane is used to support individuals who have difficulty with balance or weakness in their legs. It helps distribute weight and provide stability while walking. Choice A is incorrect because while a cane can help with balance, it is not its primary purpose. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to a different assistive device like a walker. Choice D is incorrect because a cane is used for walking assistance, not for getting out of bed.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Low blood pressure is a common sign of approaching death due to the body's decreased ability to maintain normal blood flow. Step 2: As organs fail, blood pressure drops, leading to decreased perfusion and oxygen delivery. Step 3: This can result in cold, clammy skin, confusion, and decreased consciousness as the body shuts down. Step 4: Sharper vision (B), being warm (C), and having dry skin (D) are not specific signs of approaching death and do not directly relate to the body's physiological changes in the same way low blood pressure does. Summary: Low blood pressure is a significant indicator of approaching death due to its direct impact on organ perfusion and oxygen delivery, unlike the other choices which lack this direct physiological connection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the Joint Commission's primary goal is to improve the quality and safety of care in healthcare facilities through accreditation and certification programs. This is evident in their standards and guidelines that focus on patient safety, quality improvement, and performance measurement. A: The Joint Commission is a not-for-profit organization, not a for-profit organization, as it operates as an independent, non-governmental entity. B: The Joint Commission is not a state inspection agency; it is a private accrediting organization that sets standards for healthcare facilities. C: Membership with the Joint Commission is voluntary, not mandatory for skilled nursing facilities. In summary, the Joint Commission's core mission is to enhance healthcare quality and safety, making choice D the correct answer.