Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes eosinophils?

• A. A type of granulocyte that secretes histamine to stimulate the inflammatory response.
• B. The most abundant type of white blood cell that secretes substances toxic to pathogens.
• C. A type of granulocyte found under mucous membranes that defends against multicellular parasites.
• D. A circulating granulocyte with high phagocytic activity and aggressiveness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Eosinophils are best described as a type of granulocyte found under mucous membranes that defends against multicellular parasites. They release toxic substances to combat parasitic infections and play a significant role in allergic reactions and asthma. Histamine secretion to stimulate inflammation is more characteristic of basophils, while high phagocytic activity and aggressiveness are features of neutrophils, not eosinophils. Describing eosinophils as the most abundant type of white blood cell that secretes toxic substances to pathogens is inaccurate since eosinophils specifically target multicellular parasites, not a broad range of pathogens.

2. What is the process of converting ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion, into a less toxic form?

• A. Deamination
• B. Transamination
• C. Decarboxylation
• D. Hydrolysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Deamination is the correct answer. It is the process of removing an amino group from a molecule, like converting ammonia (NH3) into a less toxic form such as urea. Ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion, must be converted into a less toxic form for excretion. Deamination is a crucial step that mainly occurs in the liver through the urea cycle. Transamination involves transferring an amino group from one molecule to another, not removing it as in deamination. Decarboxylation is the removal of a carboxyl group from a molecule, and hydrolysis is the breakdown of a compound by adding water.

3. Differentiate between epithelial and connective tissue.

• A. Epithelial tissue lines surfaces and glands, while connective tissue supports tendons.
• B. Both are composed of cells, but epithelial tissue lines surfaces and glands, while connective tissue binds other tissues.
• C. Epithelial tissue covers surfaces and connective tissue supports muscle contraction.
• D. Epithelial tissue is the largest tissue type, while connective tissue is the smallest.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Epithelial tissue covers surfaces and lines organs, while connective tissue provides support and structure throughout the body. Both are composed of cells, but their functions and locations differ. Epithelial tissue acts as a barrier to protect underlying tissues and organs, while connective tissue connects, supports, and separates different types of tissues and organs in the body. Choice A is incorrect as connective tissue supports and binds other tissues, not just tendons. Choice C is incorrect because connective tissue does not support muscle contraction; it provides support to various structures in the body. Choice D is incorrect as the size of a tissue type does not define its function; epithelial tissue and connective tissue serve different purposes in the body.

4. Which gland, often referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system and located at the base of the brain, secretes various hormones that control other glands?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is correctly known as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system. It is situated at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in secreting a variety of hormones that regulate the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. These hormones control growth, metabolism, reproduction, and various other essential bodily functions. The other choices, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas, are incorrect as they do not serve as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system nor are located at the base of the brain like the pituitary gland.

5. Which of the following is NOT an example of a homeostatic mechanism?

• A. Shivering when the body temperature falls.
• B. Increasing heart rate when blood pressure is low.
• C. Weight gain when consuming excess calories.
• D. Secreting insulin to decrease blood sugar concentration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain when consuming excess calories is not an example of a homeostatic mechanism. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The other options listed (A, B, and D) involve physiological responses aimed at restoring balance or stability within the body (e.g., regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels). Shivering, increasing heart rate, and secreting insulin are mechanisms to counteract specific imbalances and maintain internal equilibrium. In contrast, weight gain due to excess calorie intake does not represent a specific regulatory mechanism but rather an outcome of energy imbalance. The body stores excess energy as fat rather than actively regulating a physiological parameter to restore balance.

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