Nursing Elites

1. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

• A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
• B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
• C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
• D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

2. What term describes the point where parallel rays of light converge or appear to diverge after passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror?

• A. Aperture
• B. Focal length
• C. Refractive index
• D. Lens thickness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The focal length is the term used to describe the point where parallel rays of light converge or appear to diverge after passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror. It is a fundamental concept in optics that determines the behavior of light rays in optical systems. The focal length directly affects image formation, magnification, and focus. Options (A) Aperture, (C) Refractive index, and (D) Lens thickness are not specifically associated with the convergence or divergence of light rays in optical systems. Aperture refers to the opening through which light passes, refractive index is a measure of how much light bends when entering a medium, and lens thickness is unrelated to the convergence or divergence of light rays.

3. Which part of the nervous system controls the 'fight or flight' response?

• A. Central nervous system
• B. Peripheral nervous system
• C. Autonomic nervous system
• D. Sympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the sympathetic nervous system. It controls the 'fight or flight' response by preparing the body for stressful situations. The central nervous system (Choice A) consists of the brain and spinal cord but does not directly control the 'fight or flight' response. The peripheral nervous system (Choice B) includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, while the autonomic nervous system (Choice C) regulates involuntary bodily functions but is not specific to the 'fight or flight' response.

4. Which hormone is produced by the pancreas to lower blood sugar levels?

• A. Glucagon
• B. Insulin
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Melatonin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in lowering blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production or storage. Glucagon, which is also produced by the pancreas, functions to increase blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of stored glucose. Adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands, is involved in the fight-or-flight response and does not directly regulate blood sugar levels. Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, primarily regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is not involved in blood sugar level control.

5. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, helps regulate the body's response to stress, including increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cortisol is the correct answer. It is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate the body's response to stress. Cortisol plays a crucial role in increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system during stressful situations. Aldosterone, another hormone from the adrenal glands, primarily regulates salt and water balance in the body, not the stress response. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, but its effects are more immediate and short-lived compared to cortisol. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the body's response to stress.

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