Nursing Elites

1. Which gland, often referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system and located at the base of the brain, secretes various hormones that control other glands?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is correctly known as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system. It is situated at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in secreting a variety of hormones that regulate the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. These hormones control growth, metabolism, reproduction, and various other essential bodily functions. The other choices, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas, are incorrect as they do not serve as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system nor are located at the base of the brain like the pituitary gland.

2. Which blood component is chiefly responsible for clotting?

• A. Platelets
• B. Red blood cells
• C. Antigens
• D. Plasma cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelets. Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in clotting. When there is an injury, platelets adhere to the site and release chemicals that help form a clot to prevent excessive bleeding. Red blood cells transport oxygen, antigens are substances that trigger an immune response, and plasma cells are a type of white blood cell involved in producing antibodies, none of which are primarily responsible for clotting.

3. What information can be obtained from the mass number of an element?

• A. The number of protons in the nucleus
• B. The total number of protons and neutrons
• C. The number of electrons in the valence shell
• D. The element's chemical reactivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. This information is crucial for determining the atomic mass of the element and understanding its stability and isotopes. The number of protons in the nucleus (option A) is represented by the atomic number, not the mass number. The number of electrons in the valence shell (option C) is related to the element's position in the periodic table and its chemical properties, but it is not directly determined by the mass number. The element's chemical reactivity (option D) is influenced by the number and arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy levels, not by the mass number.

4. What is the outermost protective layer of the kidney?

• A. Renal cortex
• B. Renal medulla
• C. Renal capsule
• D. Renal pelvis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Renal capsule. The renal capsule is the outermost protective layer of the kidney. It is a tough fibrous layer that surrounds the kidney and helps protect it from injury and maintain its shape. Choice A, Renal cortex, is the outer region of the kidney where filtration occurs. Choice B, Renal medulla, is the inner region of the kidney where urine is formed. Choice D, Renal pelvis, is the funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the kidney and funnels it into the ureter. Therefore, the renal capsule is specifically designated as the outermost protective layer of the kidney.

5. What causes dandruff?

• A. Excessive sebum production (This can contribute to oily dandruff)
• B. Bacterial infection (This can cause scalp folliculitis, not dandruff)
• C. Overgrowth of a specific type of fungus on the scalp
• D. Lack of proper skin hydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dandruff is primarily caused by an overgrowth of a specific type of fungus called Malassezia on the scalp. This fungus feeds on the natural oils produced by the hair follicles, leading to irritation and flaking of the scalp skin. Choice A is incorrect because excessive sebum production can contribute to oily dandruff, but it is not the primary cause of dandruff. Choice B is incorrect as bacterial infection primarily causes scalp folliculitis, not dandruff. Choice D is incorrect as dandruff is not primarily caused by a lack of proper skin hydration.

Similar Questions