Nursing Elites

1. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in the:

• A. Center of long bones
• B. Joints between bones
• C. Muscle tissue
• D. Walls of blood vessels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in the joints between bones. It provides cushioning and support for the bones, allowing smooth movement and reducing friction between them. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and helps maintain the structural integrity of the joints. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because cartilage is not typically found in the center of long bones, muscle tissue, or the walls of blood vessels. Cartilage primarily functions in providing structural support and flexibility in joints.

2. What is the first event to occur in a primary immune response?

• A. Macrophages phagocytose pathogens and present their antigens.
• B. Neutrophils aggregate and act as cytotoxic, nonspecific killers of pathogens.
• C. B lymphocytes make pathogen-specific antibodies.
• D. Helper T cells secrete interleukins to activate pathogen-fighting cells.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The initial event in a primary immune response is the phagocytosis of pathogens by macrophages and the subsequent presentation of their antigens, which is crucial for initiating the adaptive immune response. Neutrophils (Choice B) are also involved in the innate immune response, but they typically respond after macrophages. B lymphocytes (Choice C) produce antibodies later in the adaptive immune response, and Helper T cells (Choice D) help in coordinating the immune response but are not the first cells to act in a primary immune response.

3. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys?

• A. Calcitonin
• B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It works by decreasing blood calcium levels through two main mechanisms: promoting calcium uptake by bones and decreasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), on the other hand, increases blood calcium levels by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Thyroxine, another thyroid hormone, primarily regulates metabolism and has no direct influence on calcium levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and is not related to calcium homeostasis.

4. What is hydroxyapatite?

• A. A mixture of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that strengthen the collagen matrix of bone.
• B. The structural unit of a bone that runs the length of the bone.
• C. The covering of bones at the point of articulation to prevent grinding.
• D. The lightest portion of a long bone and concentrated at the ends.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hydroxyapatite is a mineral compound composed of calcium and phosphorus that plays a crucial role in strengthening the collagen matrix of bones, contributing to their structural integrity and hardness. It is a key component of bone tissue and provides the mineralization necessary for bone strength and density. Choice B is incorrect because the structural unit of a bone is the osteon or Haversian system, not hydroxyapatite. Choice C is incorrect as it describes cartilage, not hydroxyapatite. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to the epiphysis, which is not synonymous with hydroxyapatite.

5. What is the purpose of the periosteum, the tough outer layer of bone?

• A. Produces red blood cells
• B. Provides protection and nourishment to bone
• C. Forms the joint surface
• D. Stores minerals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The periosteum, the tough outer layer of bone, serves the purpose of providing protection to the bone and nourishing it through the blood vessels it contains. It acts as a protective layer for the bone structures. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the periosteum does not produce red blood cells (which is the function of bone marrow), form joint surfaces (which is typically the role of articular cartilage), or store minerals (which is primarily done by bone tissue itself and not the periosteum).

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