Nursing Elites

1. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. What is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases?

• A. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals
• B. Exposure to environmental toxins
• C. Breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases result from a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms, leading to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body tissues. While deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals or exposure to environmental toxins can impact overall health, they are not direct causes of autoimmune diseases. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals may weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to various health issues but does not directly cause autoimmune diseases. Exposure to environmental toxins can trigger immune responses, but autoimmune diseases specifically stem from the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms within immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms.

2. What hormone signals the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas?

• A. Gastrin
• B. Insulin
• C. Glucagon
• D. Secretin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the release of gastric acid in the stomach, not digestive enzymes from the pancreas. B) Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, but it does not directly signal the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. C) Glucagon is another hormone produced by the pancreas that works opposite to insulin by increasing blood sugar levels, but it is not involved in signaling the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. D) Secretin is a hormone released by the small intestine in response to the presence of acidic chyme. It stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate to neutralize the acidity of the chyme and also triggers the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas to aid in digestion. Therefore, secretin is the hormone that signals the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.

3. Which of the following terms describes stem cells that have the ability to develop into any cell found in the human body?

• A. Totipotent stem cells
• B. Multipotent stem cells
• C. Pluripotent stem cells
• D. Hematopoietic stem cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Totipotent stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into any cell type in the human body and can generate a complete organism. They are considered the most versatile type of stem cells, capable of developing into all cell types, including extraembryonic tissues. Choice A, Totipotent stem cells, is the correct answer as it specifically describes stem cells with the broadest differentiation potential. Choice B, Multipotent stem cells, refers to stem cells that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types. Choice C, Pluripotent stem cells, can give rise to almost all cell types, but not the complete organism like totipotent stem cells. Choice D, Hematopoietic stem cells, are a type of multipotent stem cells that give rise to various blood cell types, but do not have the same broad differentiation potential as totipotent stem cells.

4. What is the involuntary process of emptying the bladder called?

• A. Filtration
• B. Micturition
• C. Reabsorption
• D. Excretion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Micturition, also known as urination or voiding, is the involuntary process of emptying the bladder. During micturition, the bladder muscle contracts, and the sphincter muscles relax, allowing urine to be expelled from the body. Filtration is the process of separating solids from liquids in the body, not related to emptying the bladder. Reabsorption involves absorbing substances back into the bloodstream, not related to emptying the bladder. Excretion is the process of eliminating waste products from the body, not specifically the process of emptying the bladder.

5. What enzyme plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine. It specifically targets starches and sugars, breaking them down into smaller molecules like maltose and glucose that can be absorbed by the body. Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach, not the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, not carbohydrates. Trypsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine, not carbohydrates.

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