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. Why is it essential to formulate a hypothesis before conducting an experiment?

• A. It will increase the investigator's reputation and prestige if their hypothesis is proven correct.
• B. The hypothesis helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for.
• C. Formulating a hypothesis shows potential sources of funding that the investigator has given some thought to the experiment.
• D. The hypothesis directs which results to keep and publish; results that do not match the hypothesis should be discarded.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Formulating a hypothesis before conducting an experiment is crucial because it helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for. A hypothesis serves as a prediction or an educated guess about what might happen in the experiment, providing a clear direction for the research process. It allows the investigator to focus on specific variables and outcomes, making the experiment more organized and effective. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of a hypothesis is not to boost an investigator's reputation but to guide the research. Choice C is incorrect as formulating a hypothesis is not primarily about impressing funders but about setting a clear direction for the study. Choice D is incorrect because the hypothesis is not meant to dictate which results to keep based on preconceived notions but to guide the investigation and allow for unbiased interpretation of results.

3. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, is released in response to low blood sugar levels and stimulates the release of glucose into the bloodstream?

• A. Insulin
• B. Glucagon
• C. Cortisol
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is the hormone produced by the pancreas that is released in response to low blood sugar levels. It acts to stimulate the release of glucose into the bloodstream by promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. Insulin, conversely, is released in response to high blood sugar levels and promotes the uptake of glucose by cells. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates metabolism and the immune response. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism but is not involved in responding to low blood sugar levels.

4. Why does a prism separate white light into its constituent spectral components?

• A. It absorbs certain colors
• B. Different colors experience varying speeds within the prism
• C. It bends all colors with the same magnitude
• D. It reflects specific colors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A prism separates white light into its constituent spectral components because different colors experience varying speeds within the prism due to their different wavelengths. This causes the light to refract at different angles, resulting in the separation of colors. When light enters the prism, it undergoes dispersion, where different colors are refracted at different angles due to their unique wavelengths. This phenomenon is known as chromatic dispersion. Choice A is incorrect because a prism does not absorb colors but refracts and disperses them. Choice C is incorrect because a prism refracts different colors at different angles, not with the same magnitude. Choice D is incorrect because a prism does not reflect colors but refracts and disperses them based on their wavelengths.

5. Which division of the nervous system is responsible for involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The autonomic nervous system is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and other automatic processes in the body. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, making choice A incorrect. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which is not directly responsible for these involuntary functions, making choice C incorrect. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating involuntary functions, making choice D incorrect.

Similar Questions