Nursing Elites

1. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

• A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
• B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
• C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
• D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

2. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, acts in opposition to insulin by increasing blood sugar levels?

• A. Insulin
• B. Glucagon
• C. Cortisol
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is the correct answer. Produced by the pancreas, glucagon acts in opposition to insulin by increasing blood sugar levels. Glucagon promotes the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver, leading to the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Insulin, on the other hand, lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, not the pancreas, and is involved in stress response and metabolism. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism.

3. Which condition can lead to blood clots and stroke?

• A. Aneurysm
• B. Arrhythmia
• C. Asthma
• D. Hypertension

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypertension is the correct answer. Hypertension can cause damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of blood clots forming, which can potentially lead to a stroke. Aneurysm is a localized, abnormal dilation of a blood vessel that can lead to complications but does not directly cause blood clots and strokes. Arrhythmia refers to irregular heart rhythms and is not directly linked to the formation of blood clots. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition and does not typically lead to blood clots and strokes.

4. What is the scientific name for the tear gland?

• A. Lachrymal gland
• B. Lacrimal sac
• C. Lacrimal duct
• D. Lacrimal papilla

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lachrymal gland. The lachrymal gland, also known as the tear gland, is the almond-shaped gland located above each eye, responsible for producing tears. Tears are a complex mixture of water, electrolytes, proteins, and other substances that help lubricate and protect the eyes from dryness and irritation. Choice B, Lacrimal sac, is incorrect as it refers to a structure that collects tears from the eye. Choice C, Lacrimal duct, is incorrect as it is the tube that carries tears from the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity. Choice D, Lacrimal papilla, is incorrect as it is a small elevation at the inner corner of the eye where tears drain into the puncta.

5. Which property of a substance refers to its ability to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking?

• A. Malleability
• B. Ductility
• C. Viscosity
• D. Conductivity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Malleability is the correct answer as it is the property of a substance that allows it to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. This property is crucial for materials like metals that need to be shaped without breaking. Ductility, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a substance to be drawn into thin wires, not hammered into sheets. Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, indicating its thickness or thinness, and is unrelated to the ability to be hammered. Conductivity, on the other hand, refers to a substance's ability to conduct electricity or heat, which is not related to its ability to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets.

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