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: Monitoring oxygen saturation is critical in COPD, as oxygen therapy aims to maintain saturation (88–92%) to prevent hypoxia. Pulse oximetry ensures adequate oxygenation, guiding therapy adjustments, making it the priority assessment to prevent respiratory failure and optimize lung function.
Choice B reason: Checking skin color assesses cyanosis but is less precise than oxygen saturation. Pulse oximetry provides objective data on oxygenation in COPD, guiding oxygen therapy, making it the priority over subjective visual assessments, which are secondary to quantitative measures.
Choice C reason: Assessing chest pain is relevant for cardiac issues but not the primary concern in COPD oxygen therapy. Oxygen saturation directly evaluates therapy effectiveness, preventing hypoxia, making it the priority assessment to ensure respiratory stability in chronic lung disease.
Choice D reason: Measuring blood pressure monitors cardiovascular status but is secondary to oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen saturation is critical, as hypoxia exacerbates respiratory distress, requiring immediate assessment to adjust oxygen therapy, making it the priority over hemodynamic evaluations.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A head-to-toe neurological assessment is the priority after a fall with vomiting, as it evaluates for traumatic brain injury or increased intracranial pressure. Vomiting may indicate neurological compromise. This assessment guides urgent interventions, as undetected brain injury can lead to rapid deterioration in the ICU.
Choice B reason: Determining the last corticosteroid dose is relevant for managing underlying conditions but not the immediate priority post-fall. Vomiting and potential head injury require neurological assessment first, as brain trauma poses an acute risk, whereas corticosteroid timing is secondary to stabilizing neurological status.
Choice C reason: Determining the neurological baseline before the fall is useful for comparison but not the first action. A current neurological assessment identifies acute changes or injuries post-fall, as vomiting may signal brain injury, making immediate evaluation critical to guide treatment in the ICU.
Choice D reason: Administering a PRN antiemetic controls vomiting, improving comfort, but does not address the underlying cause. Vomiting post-fall may indicate neurological injury, requiring immediate assessment. Neurological evaluation takes precedence to rule out brain trauma before symptomatic treatment with antiemetics.
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