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 subdivisions of the dorsal cavity, located at the back of the human body?

• A. Cranial and spinal
• B. Dorsal and ventral
• C. Lateral and proximal
• D. Inferior and superior

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cranial and spinal. The dorsal cavity, situated at the back of the human body, is divided into the cranial cavity (housing the brain) and the spinal cavity (housing the spinal cord). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct subdivisions of the dorsal cavity. Option B (Dorsal and ventral) is incorrect as it confuses the dorsal cavity with the dorsal and ventral body planes. Option C (Lateral and proximal) and option D (Inferior and superior) are incorrect as they refer to different anatomical terms that do not apply to the subdivisions of the dorsal cavity.

3. Which of the following is NOT a recognized mode of natural selection?

• A. Directional selection (favoring one extreme trait value on a spectrum)
• B. Disruptive selection (favoring both extreme trait values on a spectrum)
• C. Stabilizing selection (favoring the average trait value on a spectrum)
• D. Sexual selection (selection based on mate choice that influences reproductive success)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Directional selection is a recognized mode of natural selection where one extreme trait value on a spectrum is favored over others, leading to a shift in the average trait value over time. B) Disruptive selection is a recognized mode of natural selection where both extreme trait values on a spectrum are favored over the average trait value, potentially causing the population to split into distinct groups. C) Stabilizing selection is a recognized mode of natural selection favoring the average trait value on a spectrum over extreme values, resulting in reduced genetic diversity. D) Sexual selection differs from traditional natural selection modes as it involves mate choice and competition for mates, not direct selection pressure on traits affecting survival and reproduction in the environment. Sexual selection can drive the evolution of traits enhancing an individual's attractiveness for mating purposes.

4. Which part of the brainstem controls heart rate and breathing?

• A. Medulla oblongata
• B. Pons
• C. Midbrain
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It houses centers that oversee these involuntary processes, making it the correct answer. The pons, midbrain, and thalamus do not primarily control heart rate and breathing, thus making them incorrect choices for this question.

5. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Norepinephrine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

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