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. Which enzyme breaks down carbohydrates like starches and sugars in the mouth?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Amylase. Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates like starches and sugars in the mouth. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach, lipase breaks down fats, and trypsin is another enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect for this question.

3. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

4. What is the main consequence of a malfunctioning thyroid gland that produces abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones?

• A. Increased energy levels and weight loss
• B. Decreased heart rate and body temperature
• C. Enhanced muscle growth and bone development
• D. Faster metabolism and heightened alertness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased heart rate and body temperature. A malfunctioning thyroid gland that produces abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones leads to hypothyroidism, resulting in decreased metabolic activity. This reduction in metabolic rate can cause a decreased heart rate and lower body temperature. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hypothyroidism typically manifests as symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, bradycardia, and decreased body temperature, rather than increased energy levels, enhanced muscle growth, faster metabolism, or heightened alertness.

5. Which nervous system controls the involuntary 'fight-or-flight' response?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for activating the body's response to stress or danger, leading to the 'fight-or-flight' response. It prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to muscles. Choice B, the parasympathetic nervous system, is responsible for the body's 'rest-and-digest' activities, which are opposite to the 'fight-or-flight' response. Choice C, the enteric nervous system, primarily regulates the gastrointestinal system and is not directly involved in the 'fight-or-flight' response. Choice D, the sensory nervous system, transmits sensory information from the body to the central nervous system and is not responsible for the physiological changes associated with the 'fight-or-flight' response.

Similar Questions