Nursing Elites

1. What are the moon-shaped white structures at the base of fingernails called?

• A. Lunulae
• B. Cuticle
• C. Hyponychium
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lunulae. The moon-shaped white structures at the base of fingernails are known as lunulae. They are most prominent on the thumb and are situated at the base of the nail matrix. The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix, which is responsible for generating new nail cells. Choice B, Cuticle, is incorrect as it refers to the thin layer of skin at the base of the nail plate. Choice C, Hyponychium, is incorrect as it is the skin that lies beneath the free edge of the nail. Choice D, Matrix, is incorrect as it is the area where the nail is formed, located under the cuticle.

2. Which cells myelinate neurons in the CNS?

• A. Schwann cells
• B. Astrocytes
• C. Microglia
• D. Oligodendrocytes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for myelinating neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Schwann cells, found in the peripheral nervous system, are responsible for myelinating neurons there. Astrocytes support and maintain the neuronal environment, while microglia function as immune cells in the CNS, participating in immune responses and cellular debris clearance. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect for myelination of CNS neurons.

3. Which part of the neuron is responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body and toward other neurons or muscles?

• A. Axon
• B. Dendrite
• C. Synapse
• D. Myelin sheath

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The axon is the part of the neuron responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body and toward other neurons or muscles. It is a long, slender projection covered by the myelin sheath, which speeds up signal transmission. Dendrites, on the other hand, receive signals from other neurons and transmit them toward the cell body. The synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs, but it is not responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body.

4. What is the main function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the cell?

• A. To synthesize and transport proteins and lipids
• B. To package and transport proteins
• C. To break down macromolecules
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes within the cell that plays a crucial role in protein and lipid synthesis. It consists of two types: rough ER, which is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis, and smooth ER, which is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification. The ER's main function is to synthesize proteins and lipids, not just package and transport them. While the ER is involved in transporting these synthesized proteins and lipids to other parts of the cell or outside the cell, its primary role is in their synthesis. Breaking down macromolecules is primarily the function of lysosomes, which are membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes for digestion. Storing genetic material is the function of the nucleus, which houses the cell's DNA. The ER is not involved in storing genetic material.

5. Histamine, released during an allergic reaction, causes symptoms like:

• A. Fever and fatigue
• B. Runny nose and itchiness
• C. Muscle aches and joint pain
• D. Cough and shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. It is responsible for causing symptoms such as a runny nose, itchiness, sneezing, and watery eyes. These symptoms are commonly seen in allergies like hay fever. Fever and fatigue (option A) are not typically caused by histamine release during an allergic reaction. Muscle aches and joint pain (option C) are not common symptoms of histamine release in allergic reactions. Cough and shortness of breath (option D) are more commonly associated with asthma or respiratory allergies rather than histamine release.

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