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. Which property of a substance refers to the force exerted on an object due to gravity?

• A. Mass
• B. Weight
• C. Density
• D. Volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Weight.' Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. Mass, on the other hand, refers to the amount of matter in an object. Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance, and volume is the amount of space occupied by an object. In this context, weight specifically relates to the gravitational force acting on an object, making it the most appropriate choice among the options provided.

3. Which of the following structures is responsible for filtering blood in the kidneys?

• A. Ureter
• B. Glomerulus
• C. Nephron
• D. Renal artery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glomerulus. The glomerulus, located in the nephron of the kidney, is a network of tiny blood vessels responsible for filtering blood. It removes waste products and excess substances to form urine. The ureter carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder and is not involved in blood filtration. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney where blood is filtered and urine is produced. The renal artery supplies blood to the kidneys but is not directly involved in the filtration process.

4. Which state of matter has a definite shape and volume but can flow?

• A. Solid
• B. Liquid
• C. Gas
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A liquid is the state of matter that has a definite volume but can flow and take the shape of its container. Solids have a definite shape and volume but do not flow as liquids do. Gases do not have a definite shape or volume but can flow to fill their container. Plasma is a state of matter where the particles are highly energized and do not have a definite shape or volume, thus not fitting the description of having a definite shape and volume while being able to flow.

5. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is essential for regulating electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body?

• A. Aldosterone
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Cortisol
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, specifically by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Its primary function involves acting on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water while promoting the excretion of potassium. This process is essential for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Epinephrine is associated with the fight or flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone, and insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the correct answer is Aldosterone as it directly targets electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body.

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