Nursing Elites

1. The adaptive immune system has two main branches: humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Which type of immune cell is primarily responsible for antibody production?

• A. Helper T cells
• B. Cytotoxic T cells
• C. B cells
• D. Natural killer cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: B cells are primarily responsible for antibody production in the adaptive immune system. When activated, B cells differentiate into plasma cells, which are specialized to produce antibodies. Helper T cells play a crucial role in activating B cells, but they do not directly produce antibodies. Cytotoxic T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity by killing infected cells, while natural killer cells are part of the innate immune system and target virus-infected and cancerous cells. Therefore, the correct answer is C (B cells) as they are directly involved in the production of antibodies, essential for humoral immunity.

2. The number of protons in an atom determines its:

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Atomic weight
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is known as the atomic number. The atomic number uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. It is a fundamental property of an element and directly influences its chemical behavior and interactions. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, not just protons. Atomic weight is the average mass of an element's isotopes considering their relative abundance, not solely based on the number of protons. Valence electron count refers to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, influencing its ability to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions, but it is not determined by the number of protons in the atom.

3. What might happen if blood sugar begins to drop in the human body?

• A. The pancreas releases insulin.
• B. The liver releases stored glucose.
• C. The liver stores glucose as glycogen.
• D. The pancreas releases glucagon.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When blood sugar levels drop in the body, the pancreas releases glucagon. Glucagon acts to increase blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the release of insulin lowers blood sugar levels, opposite of what happens when blood sugar is dropping. Choice B is incorrect as the liver releases stored glucose in response to low blood sugar, not when blood sugar is already dropping. Choice C is also incorrect as the liver stores glucose as glycogen but doesn't directly impact blood sugar levels dropping in the moment.

4. What is the purpose of sodium bicarbonate when released into the lumen of the small intestine?

• A. It works to chemically digest fats in the chyme.
• B. It decreases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.
• C. It works to chemically digest proteins in the chyme.
• D. It increases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sodium bicarbonate, when released into the lumen of the small intestine, functions to increase the pH of the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This increase in pH helps neutralize the acidity of the chyme, creating a more optimal environment for the digestive enzymes in the small intestine to function properly. Maintaining a slightly basic pH in the small intestine is crucial for overall digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate does not chemically digest fats or proteins in the chyme, and it does not decrease the pH of the chyme as it actually increases the pH to prevent harm to the intestine.

5. What are the subdivisions of the dorsal cavity, located at the back of the human body?

• A. Cranial and spinal
• B. Dorsal and ventral
• C. Lateral and proximal
• D. Inferior and superior

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cranial and spinal. The dorsal cavity, situated at the back of the human body, is divided into the cranial cavity (housing the brain) and the spinal cavity (housing the spinal cord). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct subdivisions of the dorsal cavity. Option B (Dorsal and ventral) is incorrect as it confuses the dorsal cavity with the dorsal and ventral body planes. Option C (Lateral and proximal) and option D (Inferior and superior) are incorrect as they refer to different anatomical terms that do not apply to the subdivisions of the dorsal cavity.

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