Nursing Elites

1. Isotopes are variants of a single element that differ in:

• A. Having the same number of protons but varying numbers of neutrons
• B. Having the same number of neutrons but varying numbers of protons
• C. Having the same mass but different atomic numbers
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isotopes are variants of a single element that have the same number of protons, the defining characteristic of an element. They differ in the number of neutrons they possess, leading to isotopes having different atomic masses while retaining the same chemical properties. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of neutrons and differ in the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses due to varying numbers of neutrons, not different atomic numbers. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes do differ in the number of neutrons they possess.

2. Which of the following is responsible for carrying electrical impulses in the nervous system?

• A. Platelets
• B. Neurons
• C. Red blood cells
• D. White blood cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neurons are the correct answer as they are specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit electrical impulses throughout the body. Neurons have structures like axons and dendrites that enable the transmission of electrical signals. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting, red blood cells carry oxygen, and white blood cells are part of the immune system; however, none of these cell types play a role in carrying electrical impulses in the nervous system.

3. What is the main function of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland?

• A. Stimulate metabolism and heat production
• B. Increase calcium absorption from the intestines
• C. Enhance bone growth and development
• D. Lower blood calcium levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that primarily functions to lower blood calcium levels. It achieves this by inhibiting bone breakdown and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it reflects the main role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the primary function of calcitonin. Calcitonin does not stimulate metabolism and heat production (Choice A), increase calcium absorption from the intestines (Choice B), or enhance bone growth and development (Choice C).

4. Which structure in the eye is responsible for detecting light?

• A. Cornea
• B. Retina
• C. Lens
• D. Iris

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The retina is the correct answer as it is the light-sensitive structure in the eye that detects light and converts it into signals for the brain to process visual information. The cornea is the transparent outer covering of the eye that helps to focus incoming light onto the lens. The lens further focuses the light onto the retina, which is where the actual light detection and signal conversion occur. The iris, on the other hand, controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil but is not directly responsible for detecting light.

5. Which plane divides the body into left and right halves?

• A. Sagittal/Median Plane
• B. Frontal/Coronal Plane
• C. Transverse/Cross-Section Plane
• D. Horizontal Plane

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sagittal/Median Plane. This plane divides the body into left and right halves. The Frontal/Coronal Plane (choice B) divides the body into front and back, while the Transverse/Cross-Section Plane (choice C) divides it into top and bottom. The Horizontal Plane (choice D) divides the body into upper and lower portions. Understanding these planes is essential in anatomy as they help describe the orientation and relationships of body structures.

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