Nursing Elites

1. After a person eats birthday cake, which of the following enzymes is needed to break down the sucrose in the cake?

• A. Lactase
• B. Maltase
• C. Peptidase
• D. Sucrase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sucrase is the correct enzyme needed to break down sucrose into its component sugars, glucose, and fructose. Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose, maltase for maltose, and peptidase for proteins; therefore, they are not the enzymes required to digest sucrose specifically. In the context of digesting birthday cake, which contains sucrose, sucrase is the enzyme needed for this particular sugar.

2. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys?

• A. Calcitonin
• B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It works by decreasing blood calcium levels through two main mechanisms: promoting calcium uptake by bones and decreasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), on the other hand, increases blood calcium levels by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Thyroxine, another thyroid hormone, primarily regulates metabolism and has no direct influence on calcium levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and is not related to calcium homeostasis.

3. Which type of blood vessel carries blood back to the heart?

• A. Artery
• B. Vein
• C. Capillary
• D. Lymphatic vessel

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vein. Veins carry blood back to the heart from various parts of the body, functioning as the vessels that return blood to the heart. Arteries, on the other hand, carry blood away from the heart to different parts of the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products occurs between the blood and tissues. Lymphatic vessels are part of the lymphatic system, responsible for maintaining fluid balance and aiding in immunity. Therefore, the correct choice is B as it directly relates to the blood flow back to the heart.

4. What is the primary function of the heart?

• A. Filtering blood
• B. Exchanging gases
• C. Pumping blood throughout the body
• D. Producing hormones

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body. The heart acts as a muscular pump that circulates blood, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and removing waste products. Option A is incorrect because blood filtration is a function of the kidneys, not the heart. Option B is incorrect as gas exchange occurs in the lungs, not the heart. Option D is also incorrect as hormone production is mainly carried out by endocrine glands, not the heart.

5. Which part of the nervous system is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response?

• A. Somatic nervous system
• B. Parasympathetic nervous system
• C. Sympathetic nervous system
• D. Enteric nervous system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, triggering the body's automatic response to a perceived threat or danger. This system initiates physiological changes like increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and the release of adrenaline, preparing the body to confront or escape the threat. The somatic nervous system (Choice A) controls voluntary movements, the parasympathetic nervous system (Choice B) is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response to promote relaxation and digestion, and the enteric nervous system (Choice D) regulates the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, they are not associated with the 'fight-or-flight' response.

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