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. How can you differentiate between a bacterial and viral infection based solely on symptoms?

• A. It's impossible to differentiate solely based on symptoms.
• B. Bacterial infections typically respond well to antibiotics, while viral infections don't.
• C. Bacterial infections usually cause fever, while viral infections don't.
• D. Viral infections often present with respiratory symptoms like a cough, while bacterial infections don't.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It is impossible to differentiate between a bacterial and viral infection based solely on symptoms because many symptoms overlap between the two types of infections. Symptoms like fever, cough, and others can be present in both bacterial and viral infections. Additional diagnostic tests such as cultures or blood tests are often needed to determine the cause of the infection accurately. Relying only on symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they oversimplify the differentiation process and do not encompass the complexity of symptoms associated with bacterial and viral infections. While it is true that bacterial infections may respond to antibiotics and some differences in symptoms may be observed between bacterial and viral infections, these are not definitive indicators without proper diagnostic tests.

3. Which of the following is part of the central nervous system?

• A. Spinal cord
• B. Peripheral nerves
• C. Brainstem
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spinal cord. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord plays a crucial role in transmitting information between the brain and the body. Choices B, C, and D are not part of the central nervous system. Peripheral nerves belong to the peripheral nervous system, whereas the brainstem and cerebellum are components of the brain, distinct from the central nervous system.

4. Which element's neutral atom has 2 electrons in the first shell and 6 electrons in the second shell of the electron cloud?

• A. Beryllium
• B. Carbon
• C. Helium
• D. Oxygen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Oxygen. Oxygen has a total of 8 electrons, with 2 in the first shell and 6 in the second shell. This configuration matches the description provided in the question. Choice A, Beryllium, has 2 electrons in total, so it cannot have 2 in the first shell and 6 in the second. Choice B, Carbon, has 6 electrons in total, so it also does not match the given electron distribution. Choice C, Helium, has only 2 electrons in total and therefore does not fit the electron configuration described in the question.

5. Which of the following components of the human integumentary system is the deepest?

• A. Stratum basale
• B. Epidermis
• C. Hypodermis
• D. Dermis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The hypodermis is the deepest layer of the integumentary system, located below the dermis. It serves as a layer of fat that helps insulate the body, store energy, and provide cushioning. The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis, not the entire integumentary system. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, followed by the dermis, and then the hypodermis. Therefore, the correct answer is the hypodermis (choice C). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the deepest layer of the integumentary system.

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