Nursing Elites

1. The pancreas releases a number of digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Which of the following enzymes is NOT produced by the pancreas?

• A. Trypsin (protein digestion)
• B. Amylase (carbohydrate digestion)
• C. Lipase (fat digestion)
• D. Lactase (sugar digestion)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, and it is produced by the small intestine, not the pancreas. The pancreas produces enzymes like trypsin for protein digestion, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and lipase for fat digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because trypsin, amylase, and lipase are indeed enzymes produced by the pancreas for the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively.

2. Which of the following Mendelian laws describes how pairs of alleles within genes separate and recombine independently from other genes?

• A. law of segregation
• B. law of dominance
• C. law of independent assortment
• D. law of predictive traits

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The law of independent assortment describes how alleles of different genes segregate independently during gamete formation. This means that different gene pairs are passed on to offspring separately from one another, allowing for various combinations of traits. Gregor Mendel discovered this law, along with the law of segregation and the law of dominance, through his experiments with pea plants. The law of segregation (choice A) refers to how alleles of a gene separate during gamete formation, while the law of dominance (choice B) states that one allele can mask the presence of another in a heterozygous individual. The 'law of predictive traits' (choice D) is not a recognized Mendelian law and does not accurately describe the principles of genetic inheritance.

3. Which type of glial cell provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell that provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system by forming myelin sheaths around axons. Schwann cells (option A) perform a similar function but in the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes (option B) are involved in providing nutrients to neurons, maintaining the chemical environment, and repairing damage. Microglia (option D) are primarily responsible for immune defense in the central nervous system, not for providing structural support and insulation for neurons.

4. Which hormone is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles and is influenced by light exposure?

• A. Melatonin
• B. Cortisol
• C. Estrogen
• D. Glucagon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles, also known as the circadian rhythm. Its production is influenced by light exposure, with levels increasing in the evening in response to darkness, signaling the body that it is time to sleep. Choice B, cortisol, is a stress hormone and does not directly regulate sleep-wake cycles. Choice C, estrogen, is a sex hormone and is not primarily involved in regulating sleep. Choice D, glucagon, is a hormone that increases blood glucose levels and is not related to sleep-wake cycles.

5. What is the difference between heat and temperature?

• A. They are the same thing.
• B. Heat is a form of energy, while temperature measures the average kinetic energy of particles.
• C. Heat flows from cold to hot, while temperature flows from hot to cold.
• D. Heat is measured in Celsius, while temperature is measured in Joules.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Heat and temperature are distinct concepts. Heat is a form of energy that transfers from a higher temperature object to a lower temperature object, while temperature represents the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Heat is quantified in units like Joules or calories, whereas temperature is typically gauged in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Therefore, choice B correctly distinguishes between heat and temperature, making it the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately define the difference between heat and temperature. Choice A erroneously suggests they are the same, choice C confuses the direction of heat and temperature flow, and choice D provides inaccurate units for measuring heat and temperature.

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