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. In which position allows access to the stomach?

• A. Medial
• B. Prone
• C. Superficial
• D. Supine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The question now specifies the need for a position that allows access to the stomach. The correct answer is 'B: Prone.' In the prone position, the patient lies face down, which facilitates access to the stomach for various procedures or examinations. Choice A, 'Medial,' refers to a direction rather than a patient position. Choice C, 'Superficial,' describes a superficial depth rather than a patient position. Choice D, 'Supine,' is a position where the patient lies face up, which does not provide easy access to the stomach.

3. What are the tiny contractile units within muscle cells called?

• A. Myocytes
• B. Myofibrils
• C. Sarcomeres
• D. Tendons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sarcomeres are the smallest contractile units within muscle cells. They consist of overlapping filaments of actin and myosin proteins, which interact to produce muscle contractions. Myocytes are the entire muscle cells, myofibrils are bundles of protein filaments found within muscle cells, and tendons are tough connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. Therefore, sarcomeres specifically represent the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction, making them the correct answer in this context.

4. When water boils, it changes from a liquid to a gas. This is an example of a:

• A. Chemical reaction
• B. Physical change
• C. Nuclear reaction
• D. Biological process

Correct answer: B

Rationale: This is a physical change because boiling water involves a change in state from liquid to gas without altering the chemical composition of the water molecules. In a chemical reaction, new substances are formed by breaking and forming chemical bonds, which is not the case during boiling. A nuclear reaction involves changes in atomic nuclei, which are not occurring during boiling. A biological process refers to activities related to living organisms, which is not applicable to the change from liquid to gas in boiling water.

5. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

• A. Cramp
• B. Spasm
• C. Tic
• D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

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