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 are the two main types of nuclear decay, and what differentiates them?

• A. Fission and fusion, based on the size of the nucleus
• B. Alpha and beta decay, based on the emitted particle
• C. Spontaneous and induced decay, based on the trigger
• D. Isotope decay and chain reactions, based on the stability of the nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The two main types of nuclear decay are alpha and beta decay, which are differentiated based on the emitted particle. In alpha decay, an alpha particle (consisting of two protons and two neutrons) is emitted from the nucleus, while in beta decay, a beta particle (either an electron or a positron) is emitted. These decay types are distinguished by the particles they emit, not by the size of the nucleus, trigger, or stability of the nucleus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because fission, fusion, spontaneous, induced, isotope decay, and chain reactions are different processes in nuclear physics and do not represent the two main types of nuclear decay based on emitted particles.

3. Which neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation, and is often implicated in conditions such as addiction?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. Serotonin
• D. GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. It plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system and is often implicated in conditions such as addiction. Acetylcholine is involved in muscle movement and memory, serotonin is linked to mood regulation, and GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability. Therefore, the correct answer is dopamine as it aligns with the neurotransmitter functions related to pleasure, reward, and motivation, distinct from the roles of acetylcholine, serotonin, and GABA.

4. What is the name for the sac-shaped structures in which carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange takes place?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Alveoli
• D. Bronchioles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The alveoli are the tiny sac-shaped structures in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from the air we breathe diffuses into the bloodstream through the alveoli, while carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by cells, is removed from the blood and exhaled out of the body through the alveoli. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Kidneys are organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood, the medulla oblongata is a part of the brain responsible for autonomic functions, and bronchioles are smaller airway passages in the lungs that branch off from the bronchi.

5. What is the main function of red blood cells?

• A. Transport oxygen
• B. Transport carbon dioxide
• C. Regulate blood pressure
• D. Regulate heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transport oxygen. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to cells throughout the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration and energy production in the body. Red blood cells do not regulate blood pressure or heart rate; their main role is oxygen transport. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because red blood cells do not transport carbon dioxide, regulate blood pressure, or regulate heart rate. These functions are primarily carried out by other components of the circulatory and regulatory systems.

Similar Questions