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 of the following structures prevents food from entering the windpipe?

• A. Pharynx
• B. Esophagus
• C. Larynx
• D. Epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the windpipe by covering the trachea during swallowing. When food is swallowed, the epiglottis folds over the opening of the trachea to ensure that food goes down the esophagus and not into the airway. The pharynx is a shared pathway for both food and air, leading to the esophagus and larynx respectively. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The larynx is responsible for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing, but the epiglottis is specifically designed to prevent food from entering the windpipe.

3. What property of a substance remains constant regardless of changes in its shape or size?

• A. Mass
• B. Weight
• C. Density
• D. Volume

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of changes in its shape or size. Weight, density, and volume can all change depending on the conditions, but mass remains the same. For example, if you have a piece of clay and you shape it into a ball or flatten it into a pancake, the amount of clay (mass) will remain the same, even though the shape and size have changed. Weight is the force acting on an object due to gravity, which can vary depending on the gravitational pull. Density is the mass per unit volume, so it changes with variations in volume. Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object, which can change if the shape or size of the object is altered.

4. Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating various sensory inputs, regulating sleep, and maintaining wakefulness?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Hypothalamus
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Reticular formation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The reticular formation is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, coordinating various sensory inputs, and maintaining wakefulness. It acts as a filter for incoming sensory information and helps in directing attention to important stimuli. The other options, the cerebrum, hypothalamus, and medulla oblongata, are important structures in the brain but are not primarily responsible for the specific functions mentioned in the question. The cerebrum is mainly involved in higher brain functions such as thinking and voluntary movements. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, among other functions. The medulla oblongata is essential for controlling vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.

5. What is the structural and functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood?

• A. Nephron
• B. Ureter
• C. Urethra
• D. Bladder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nephron is the correct answer. It is the structural and functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood. The nephron consists of a renal corpuscle (glomerulus and Bowman's capsule) and a renal tubule. Within the nephron, blood is filtered to form urine, which is then carried to the ureter for excretion from the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the ureter, urethra, and bladder are not involved in the filtration of blood in the kidney. Instead, they are parts of the urinary system responsible for transporting and storing urine.

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