Nursing Elites

1. After exposure to a pathogen, the immune system develops memory. What type of immune cell is responsible for this immunological memory?

• A. B cells
• B. T cells (specifically memory T cells)
• C. Phagocytes
• D. Natural killer cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: B cells are responsible for immunological memory. Memory B cells, a type of B cells, retain a 'memory' of specific pathogens, enabling them to rapidly produce antibodies upon re-exposure. This rapid antibody production facilitates a quicker and more effective immune response. Although memory T cells also contribute to immunological memory by mounting a swift and robust immune response upon re-exposure to the pathogen, it is primarily memory B cells that play a crucial role in producing antibodies. Phagocytes are important immune cells involved in engulfing and digesting pathogens, while natural killer cells are primarily responsible for recognizing and eliminating abnormal cells, such as virus-infected cells or tumor cells. However, when it comes to immunological memory and antibody production, B cells are key players.

2. Which of the following items is NOT a primary function of a healthy immune system?

• A. The immune system helps the body avoid infections.
• B. The immune system detects infections.
• C. The immune system eliminates infections.
• D. The immune system creates infections.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The primary functions of a healthy immune system do not involve creating infections. A healthy immune system helps the body avoid infections by providing defense mechanisms, detects infections by recognizing harmful pathogens, and eliminates infections by attacking and clearing out pathogens. Creating infections goes against the protective role of the immune system and is not a function it performs. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are correct functions of a healthy immune system, while choice D is incorrect.

3. Which of the following are the two major zones of the respiratory system?

• A. left bronchus and right bronchus
• B. nose and mouth
• C. larynx and pharynx
• D. conducting and respiratory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The two major zones of the respiratory system are the conducting zone and the respiratory zone. The conducting zone encompasses structures like the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles, which serve to transport air into the lungs. On the other hand, the respiratory zone includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli, where the crucial gas exchange process between the air in the lungs and the blood occurs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not represent the major zones of the respiratory system but rather individual structures within the system.

4. What is the process by which muscle tissue wastes away due to disuse or lack of nutrients?

• A. Hypertrophy
• B. Atrophy
• C. Fibrosis
• D. Rigor mortis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atrophy is the correct term for the process by which muscle tissue wastes away due to disuse or lack of nutrients. It is essential to differentiate atrophy from hypertrophy, which is the increase in muscle size due to exercise or strength training. Fibrosis involves the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue, which is distinct from muscle wasting. Rigor mortis, on the other hand, is the stiffening of muscles that occurs after death and is not related to muscle wasting during life.

5. What is the significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics?

• A. Predicting the exact outcome of genetic crosses in humans.
• B. Tracing the inheritance of complex traits with multiple contributing genes.
• C. Identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders.
• D. Determining the risk of acquiring a specific mutation de novo.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.

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