Nursing Elites

1. The body's first line of defense against pathogens is the innate immune system. Which of the following is NOT a component of the innate immune system?

• A. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes
• B. Phagocytes that engulf and destroy pathogens
• C. Inflammatory response to isolate and contain infection
• D. Production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen is a function of the adaptive immune system, not the innate immune system. The innate immune system provides immediate, non-specific defense mechanisms against pathogens, including physical barriers, phagocytes, and inflammatory responses. Choices A, B, and C are all correct components of the innate immune system. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes act as the first line of defense, preventing pathogens from entering the body. Phagocytes are specialized cells that engulf and destroy pathogens, while the inflammatory response helps isolate and contain infections to prevent their spread.

2. Based on the following evidence, what is the most likely reason that spoiled food left out in the open often contains fly larvae?

• A. The spoiled food evolves into fly larvae.
• B. Since the food is left out in the open, flies lay eggs in the food.
• C. Fly larvae are spontaneously generated by the spoiled food.
• D. People only imagine they see fly larvae in the spoiled food.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Flies laying eggs in the food when it is left exposed to the air is a common occurrence and a logical explanation for the presence of fly larvae in spoiled food. Choice A is incorrect as food cannot evolve into fly larvae; fly larvae come from eggs laid by flies. Choice C is incorrect as fly larvae do not spontaneously generate from spoiled food but rather develop from eggs laid by flies. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of fly larvae in spoiled food is a real phenomenon, not merely imagined by people.

3. DNA has both a 'sense' and 'antisense' strand. What is true about the antisense strand?

• A. It runs 5' to 3'.
• B. It runs 3' to 5'.
• C. It is used in replication.
• D. It is the direction DNA is stored.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It runs 3' to 5'. The antisense strand runs in the 3' to 5' direction, complementing the sense strand. Choice A is incorrect as the antisense strand runs in the opposite direction, which is 3' to 5'. Choice C is incorrect because the antisense strand is not directly involved in replication. Choice D is incorrect as the direction DNA is stored is not determined by the antisense strand.

4. What is the primary function of B cells in the immune system?

• A. Directly attacking and engulfing pathogens
• B. Producing antibodies specific to a pathogen
• C. Destroying infected body cells
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B cells are a type of white blood cell that primarily functions by producing antibodies specific to a pathogen. These antibodies play a crucial role in marking pathogens for destruction by other immune cells. While B cells are essential for the immune response, they do not directly attack and engulf pathogens or destroy infected body cells. These functions are carried out by other immune cells like macrophages and cytotoxic T cells. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it accurately reflects the primary role of B cells in the immune system.

5. 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).

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