Nursing Elites

1. Calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels, is produced by the:

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Parathyroid gland
• C. Thymus gland
• D. Adrenal gland

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It helps regulate calcium levels in the body by inhibiting the breakdown of bone and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. The parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone (PTH), which works in opposition to calcitonin to regulate calcium levels. The thymus gland is involved in the development of the immune system, and the adrenal gland produces hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland as it specifically secretes calcitonin for calcium regulation.

2. What is the basic unit of communication in the nervous system?

• A. Neuron
• B. Astrocyte
• C. Neurotransmitter
• D. Synapse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A neuron is the basic unit of communication in the nervous system. Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that provide support and nourishment to neurons but do not participate in signal transmission. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that facilitate signal transmission between neurons, and synapses are the specific junctions where these signals are transmitted. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Neuron' as it is the primary cell involved in transmitting information in the nervous system.

3. What type of molecule forms the cell membrane and controls what enters and exits the cell?

• A. Proteins
• B. Carbohydrates
• C. Lipids
• D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The cell membrane is primarily composed of lipids, specifically phospholipids, which form a lipid bilayer. This lipid bilayer controls what enters and exits the cell, providing a barrier that is selectively permeable. While proteins are also important components of the cell membrane and play various roles, lipids are the main structural component responsible for the membrane's permeability and function. Carbohydrates and nucleic acids are not the primary components of the cell membrane and do not have the same structural role as lipids.

4. Which of the following hormones would cause skin color to become darker?

• A. Follicle-stimulating
• B. Growth-stimulating
• C. Thyroid-stimulating
• D. Melanocyte-stimulating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Melanocyte-stimulating. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) stimulates melanocytes in the skin to produce more melanin, leading to darker skin pigmentation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates follicle growth in the reproductive system, Growth-stimulating hormone is a vague term not specific to any known hormone, and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, not affecting skin color pigmentation.

5. In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit commonly used to quantify:

• A. Energy
• B. Radioactivity
• C. Nuclear cross-section
• D. Half-life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit used to quantify nuclear cross-section. Nuclear cross-section is a measure of the probability of a nuclear reaction occurring when an atomic nucleus interacts with a particle or another nucleus. The barn is a unit of area equal to 10^-28 square meters; it is commonly used to describe the cross-sectional area of atomic nuclei for nuclear reactions. Choice A, 'Energy,' is incorrect because a barn is not a unit for measuring energy; it is a unit of area. Choice B, 'Radioactivity,' is incorrect as radioactivity is typically measured in units like becquerels. Choice D, 'Half-life,' is also incorrect as half-life is a measure of the time it takes for half of a substance to decay, not related to the concept of a barn as a unit of nuclear cross-section.

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