Nursing Elites

1. The adrenal cortex produces a group of steroid hormones called corticosteroids. What is a MAJOR function of corticosteroids?

• A. Regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels
• B. Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance
• C. Stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response
• D. Promote growth and development during puberty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corticosteroids, produced by the adrenal cortex, primarily function to control blood pressure and electrolyte balance. One of the key corticosteroids, aldosterone, plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. This regulation is essential for maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because corticosteroids do not primarily regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response, or promote growth and development during puberty. While corticosteroids can have effects on insulin sensitivity, immune response, and growth, their major role is in maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

2. What is the role of the diaphragm in the respiratory system?

• A. To regulate blood pressure
• B. To contract and expand the lungs
• C. To produce red blood cells
• D. To absorb oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To contract and expand the lungs. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in the respiratory system by contracting and expanding the lungs. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and causing air to be drawn into the lungs. Conversely, when it relaxes, it moves back up, decreasing the thoracic cavity volume and pushing air out of the lungs. This process is essential for breathing and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The diaphragm is not involved in regulating blood pressure, producing red blood cells, or absorbing oxygen. Its primary function is to aid in respiration by facilitating breathing through its contraction and relaxation movements.

3. What is the difference between isometric and isotonic muscle contractions?

• A. Isometric involves movement, while isotonic does not.
• B. Isotonic involves shortening of muscle, while isometric maintains length.
• C. Isometric uses more energy, while isotonic uses less.
• D. Isotonic involves smooth muscle, while isometric involves skeletal muscle.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Isometric contractions occur when the muscle generates tension without changing its length, while isotonic contractions involve the muscle changing length to move a load. In isotonic contractions, the muscle shortens to move a load, whereas in isometric contractions, the muscle contracts to hold a position without movement. Choice A is incorrect because isometric contractions do not involve movement, while choice C is incorrect as isotonic contractions typically require more energy due to movement. Choice D is incorrect because the type of muscle involved (smooth or skeletal) is not the defining factor between isometric and isotonic contractions.

4. What is the relationship between the speed of a wave, its frequency, and wavelength in a given medium?

• A. Speed = Frequency × Wavelength
• B. Speed = Frequency ÷ Wavelength
• C. Speed = Frequency + Wavelength
• D. Speed = Frequency - Wavelength

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The speed of a wave in a given medium is determined by the product of its frequency and wavelength. This relationship is described by the formula: Speed = Frequency × Wavelength. When a wave travels through a medium, the speed at which it propagates is directly proportional to both its frequency and wavelength. Therefore, to calculate the speed of the wave, you multiply the frequency of the wave by its wavelength. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because speed is not determined by division, addition, or subtraction of frequency and wavelength; instead, it is determined by their multiplication in the given medium.

5. What term describes the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings?

• A. Reflection
• B. Refraction
• C. Diffraction
• D. Absorption

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Diffraction. Diffraction is the phenomenon that explains the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings. When waves encounter obstacles or pass through openings, they spread out and bend around them. Reflection (Choice A) involves waves bouncing back when they encounter a surface without bending, refraction (Choice B) is the bending of waves when passing from one medium to another due to a change in speed, and absorption (Choice D) is the process of a wave being taken in by a material rather than bending or bouncing.

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