Nursing Elites

1. The 'fight-or-flight' response is triggered by the hormone released from the:

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Adrenal glands
• C. Pituitary gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The 'fight-or-flight' response is triggered by the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine from the adrenal glands. These hormones prepare the body to either confront or flee from a perceived threat or stressor. The adrenal glands are crucial in initiating this rapid physiological response. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism and energy levels, the pituitary gland controls other endocrine glands but does not directly trigger the 'fight-or-flight' response, and the pancreas is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon, not for triggering the 'fight-or-flight' response.

2. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating heart rate, breathing, and swallowing?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the medulla oblongata. This part of the brain, located at the base of the brainstem, is primarily responsible for regulating essential functions like heart rate, breathing, and swallowing. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The cerebrum is associated with higher brain functions such as thinking and voluntary movements, the cerebellum controls coordination and balance, and the thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information. Therefore, the medulla oblongata specifically governs the autonomic functions critical for survival.

3. What generates action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons?

• A. Glucose
• B. Sodium and potassium ions
• C. Neurotransmitters
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons, are generated by the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the neuronal membrane. This movement creates changes in the membrane potential, leading to the propagation of the electrical signal along the neuron. Glucose is a source of energy for neurons but is not directly involved in generating action potentials. Neurotransmitters are involved in communication between neurons but do not directly generate action potentials. Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates and speeds up the conduction of action potentials but does not generate them.

4. What macromolecules are formed from amino acids, and what are their roles?

• A. Lipids; store energy
• B. Carbohydrates; provide energy
• C. Proteins; perform various functions like catalysis, transport, and structural support
• D. Nucleic acids; store genetic information

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Proteins are macromolecules formed from amino acids and have diverse roles, such as serving as enzymes, transport molecules, and providing structural support. They are essential for catalysis, cellular communication, immune response, and many other functions in living organisms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Lipids are not formed from amino acids but from fatty acids and glycerol, mainly serving as energy storage molecules. Carbohydrates are composed of sugars and provide energy to the body. Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, are made up of nucleotides and store genetic information in cells.

5. Which hormone stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile?

• A. Gastrin
• B. Insulin
• C. Cholecystokinin (CCK)
• D. Glucagon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the correct answer. It is the hormone that stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile. CCK is released by the small intestine in response to the presence of fats and proteins in the duodenum, triggering the release of digestive enzymes and bile to aid in the digestion of fats and proteins. Gastrin (Choice A) primarily stimulates gastric acid secretion, not the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile. Insulin (Choice B) regulates blood sugar levels by promoting glucose uptake. Glucagon (Choice D) raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen in the liver.

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