Which of the following best describes the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?
Solar radiation
Geothermal heat
Tidal forces
Human activities
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Solar radiation delivers approximately 99.97% of Earth's climate system energy. The sun emits electromagnetic waves, primarily in visible and infrared spectra, absorbed by Earth's surface and atmosphere. This energy fuels atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and the hydrological cycle, establishing temperature gradients that drive global weather and climate patterns. Sunspot cycles cause minor variations but affirm solar dominance.
Choice B reason: Geothermal heat, from radioactive decay in Earth's core and mantle plus residual formation heat, contributes only about 0.025% to the climate energy budget. It powers volcanic activity and tectonic processes, with localized effects like geothermal springs, but its role in atmospheric or oceanic circulation is negligible compared to solar radiation’s extensive influence.
Choice C reason: Tidal forces, driven by gravitational interactions between Earth, the moon, and the sun, produce oceanic tides, contributing less than 0.001% to the climate system’s energy. Tides influence coastal mixing but lack the magnitude to drive atmospheric circulation or global climate, making them insignificant compared to solar radiation’s vast energy input.
Choice D reason: Human activities, such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation, release greenhouse gases, altering climate by trapping solar heat. These are secondary effects, not primary energy sources, with negligible direct energy contribution. They modify solar radiation absorption, acting as feedback mechanisms, not independent drivers like the sun’s direct energy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant (McBurney’s point) is a hallmark of appendicitis, indicating peritoneal irritation from an inflamed appendix. This localized pain, elicited on palpation release, is highly specific, guiding urgent surgical evaluation to prevent rupture and peritonitis.
Choice B reason: Diffuse abdominal pain is nonspecific and occurs in various conditions, not uniquely appendicitis, which typically presents with localized right lower quadrant pain. Rebound tenderness is more diagnostic, as it directly reflects appendiceal inflammation, making it the priority finding.
Choice C reason: Decreased bowel sounds may occur in appendicitis due to ileus but are nonspecific, seen in other abdominal conditions. Rebound tenderness is more indicative, as it localizes to the appendix, confirming peritoneal irritation, critical for diagnosing acute appendicitis.
Choice D reason: Elevated blood pressure is not specific to appendicitis and may reflect pain or stress. Rebound tenderness directly indicates appendiceal inflammation, making it the most reliable finding, as it guides diagnosis and urgent intervention to prevent complications like perforation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reducing dietary sodium lowers blood pressure in hypertension by decreasing vascular fluid volume and vasoconstriction. Sodium restriction (e.g., <2.3 g/day) reduces cardiac workload, preventing complications like heart failure, making it the priority lifestyle modification for effective blood pressure control.
Choice B reason: Increasing saturated fat consumption worsens hypertension by promoting atherosclerosis and vascular stiffness. Sodium reduction is critical, as it directly lowers blood volume and pressure, reducing cardiovascular risk, making it the priority over dietary fat adjustments in hypertension management.
Choice C reason: Limiting physical activity is incorrect, as exercise lowers blood pressure by improving vascular elasticity. Sodium reduction is the priority, as it directly reduces fluid retention and vasoconstriction, providing immediate blood pressure control, making it essential for hypertension management.
Choice D reason: Smoking cessation is beneficial but not the primary focus unless active smoking is confirmed. Sodium reduction directly lowers blood pressure by decreasing fluid volume, making it the priority lifestyle change, as it addresses hypertension’s core mechanism more effectively.
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