Nursing Elites

1. A pediatrician notes that an infant's cartilage is disappearing and being replaced by bone. What process has the doctor observed?

• A. Mineralization
• B. Ossification
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Calcification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The doctor has observed the process of ossification. Ossification is the natural process where cartilage in the body is replaced by bone. This process takes place during fetal development, growth, and bone fracture healing. Ossification involves the formation of bone tissue by depositing minerals like calcium and phosphorus within the cartilage matrix, leading to the development of a bone structure. Choice A, mineralization, refers to the process of forming mineral deposits in tissues, but it does not involve the replacement of cartilage by bone. Choice C, osteoporosis, is a condition characterized by bone density loss and increased fragility, not the natural process of cartilage replacement by bone. Choice D, calcification, is the process of deposition of calcium salts in various tissues, but it does not specifically involve the replacement of cartilage by bone as in ossification.

2. What is glucagon, where is it produced, and what is its function?

• A. Produced in the liver, releases glucose
• B. Produced in the pancreas, raises blood sugar
• C. Produced in the pancreas, lowers blood sugar
• D. Produced in the adrenal glands, regulates stress response

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas and functions to raise blood sugar levels. It does so by signaling the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. Therefore, the correct answer is B, 'Produced in the pancreas, raises blood sugar.' Choices A, C, and D describe functions or locations of other hormones, not glucagon. Glucagon is specifically released by alpha cells in the pancreas, making option B the correct choice.

3. 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: C

Rationale: The gland located on top of the kidneys responsible for regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance is the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland produces hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, which play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance in the body. The other choices, thyroid gland (choice A), pituitary gland (choice B), and parathyroid gland (choice D), do not have a primary role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism, the pituitary gland controls various endocrine functions, and the parathyroid gland regulates calcium levels in the body.

4. Which of the following nutrients is essential for muscle growth and repair?

• A. Vitamin C
• B. Protein
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Fat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair as it provides the necessary building blocks (amino acids) for muscle tissue synthesis and repair. While vitamins and minerals are crucial for overall health, protein has a specific role in muscle development. Carbohydrates supply energy for workouts, and fats are important for general health but are less directly involved in muscle growth and repair compared to protein.

5. What is the function of the pleurae?

• A. To compartmentalize and lubricate the lungs
• B. To facilitate the flow of air
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To serve as the passageway for air

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pleurae play a crucial role in compartmentalizing and lubricating the lungs. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This double-layered structure reduces friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing movements, allowing smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, 'To facilitate the flow of air,' is incorrect because while the pleurae are involved in the respiratory process, their primary function is not to directly facilitate the flow of air. Option C, 'To produce mucus,' is incorrect as the production of mucus is not a primary function of the pleurae. Option D, 'To serve as the passageway for air,' is incorrect as the passageway for air refers to the air passages like the trachea and bronchi, not the pleurae. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately describes the function of the pleurae.

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