Nursing Elites

1. The gland located on top of the kidneys responsible for regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance is the:

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Parathyroid gland

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance by secreting hormones such as aldosterone and cortisol. The thyroid gland (A) regulates metabolism, the pituitary gland (B) controls other endocrine glands, and the parathyroid gland (D) regulates calcium levels in the blood. Therefore, the adrenal gland is specifically responsible for the functions mentioned in the question, making it the correct choice.

2. Which of the following organelles is responsible for the production of proteins in the cell?

• A. Ribosomes
• B. Golgi apparatus
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Lysosomes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ribosomes. Ribosomes are the organelles responsible for protein synthesis in the cell. They are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and can be free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. Ribosomes read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and translate the genetic code into proteins through a process called translation. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins for secretion, while mitochondria are responsible for energy production. Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal within the cell.

3. What is the process of converting ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion, into a less toxic form?

• A. Deamination
• B. Transamination
• C. Decarboxylation
• D. Hydrolysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Deamination is the process of removing an amino group from a molecule, such as converting ammonia (NH3) into a less toxic form like urea. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein digestion and needs to be converted into a less toxic form to be excreted from the body. Deamination is a key step in this process, which occurs mainly in the liver through the urea cycle. Transamination involves the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another, not the removal of an amino group as in deamination. Decarboxylation is the removal of a carboxyl group from a molecule, and hydrolysis is the breakdown of a compound by adding water.

4. Which hormone is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles and is influenced by light exposure?

• A. Melatonin
• B. Cortisol
• C. Estrogen
• D. Glucagon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain and plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Melatonin levels typically rise in the evening in response to darkness and help signal to the body that it's time to sleep. Exposure to light, especially blue light, can inhibit the production of melatonin, making us more alert and awake. Cortisol (option B) is a stress hormone that helps regulate metabolism and immune response. Estrogen (option C) is a female sex hormone, and glucagon (option D) is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. Therefore, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles and influenced by light exposure is melatonin.

5. During inhalation, which muscle contracts to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity, allowing air to flow into the lungs?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal muscles
• C. Abdominal muscles
• D. Pectoral muscles

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diaphragm. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This action creates a pressure difference between the lungs and the atmosphere, causing air to flow into the lungs. The intercostal muscles also play a role by expanding the ribcage, but the primary muscle responsible for increasing thoracic cavity volume during inhalation is the diaphragm. Abdominal muscles are involved in exhalation by contracting to push the diaphragm up, reducing thoracic cavity volume. Pectoral muscles are located in the chest and are not directly involved in the breathing process.

6. Which of the following is an example of stabilizing selection?

• A. Selection that favors extreme traits in a population
• B. Selection that removes individuals with extreme traits
• C. Selection that maintains the current average trait in a population
• D. Selection that favors one specific trait over all others

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: - Stabilizing selection is a type of natural selection that favors the intermediate variants in a population, while selecting against the extreme traits. This results in the maintenance of the current average trait in the population. - Option A is incorrect because stabilizing selection does not favor extreme traits; instead, it favors the average trait. - Option B is incorrect because stabilizing selection does not remove individuals with extreme traits; it acts against extreme traits by favoring the intermediate variants. - Option D is incorrect because stabilizing selection does not favor one specific trait over all others; it favors the average trait by selecting against extreme traits.

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