Nursing Elites

1. Not all cells in the pancreas secrete insulin because of the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the release of insulin by all cells. What type of intercellular chemical signal does this illustrate?

• A. Autocrine
• B. Neuromodulator
• C. Paracrine
• D. Pheromone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paracrine. Somatostatin acts in a paracrine manner by inhibiting the release of insulin from nearby cells within the pancreas. Paracrine signaling involves the secretion of signals that act on neighboring cells, as seen in this scenario where somatostatin affects nearby pancreatic cells without entering the bloodstream or affecting distant cells. Autocrine signaling involves cells responding to substances they themselves release, which is not the case here. Neuromodulators are chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, not directly related to this scenario. Pheromones are chemicals released into the environment to communicate with individuals of the same species, not relevant to the signaling within the pancreas.

2. What information can be obtained from the mass number of an element?

• A. The number of protons in the nucleus
• B. The total number of protons and neutrons
• C. The number of electrons in the valence shell
• D. The element's chemical reactivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. This information is crucial for determining the atomic mass of the element and understanding its stability and isotopes. The number of protons in the nucleus (option A) is represented by the atomic number, not the mass number. The number of electrons in the valence shell (option C) is related to the element's position in the periodic table and its chemical properties, but it is not directly determined by the mass number. The element's chemical reactivity (option D) is influenced by the number and arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy levels, not by the mass number.

3. Through what tubes does urine travel from the kidneys to the bladder?

• A. Urethra
• B. Ureters
• C. Renal arteries
• D. Renal veins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ureters.' The ureters are the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The urethra, not a choice in this question, is the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. Renal arteries and veins are blood vessels that respectively supply and drain the kidneys, not involved in the transport of urine to the bladder.

4. In physics, what does the term 'net force' refer to?

• A. Total force acting on an object
• B. Force due to gravity
• C. Force in motion
• D. Force of friction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In physics, the term 'net force' refers to the total force acting on an object, considering all individual forces acting on it. It is crucial in determining the object's motion and acceleration as it represents the overall force applied to the object. Choice B, 'Force due to gravity,' is incorrect as it refers to a specific force acting on an object due to gravity. Choice C, 'Force in motion,' is incorrect as it does not define the concept of net force. Choice D, 'Force of friction,' is incorrect as it specifically refers to the force opposing motion when two surfaces are in contact.

5. What is the term for the balanced equation that represents a chemical reaction?

• A. Hypothesis
• B. Chemical formula
• C. Balanced equation
• D. Reaction mechanism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - 'Balanced equation'. A balanced equation is a representation of a chemical reaction that shows the reactants, products, and their stoichiometric coefficients. It ensures that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation, following the law of conservation of mass. Choice A, 'Hypothesis', is incorrect as it refers to a proposed explanation based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. Choice B, 'Chemical formula', is incorrect as it represents the composition of a compound using symbols and subscripts. Choice D, 'Reaction mechanism', is incorrect as it describes the step-by-step process by which a chemical reaction occurs, not just the overall representation of the reaction itself.

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