Nursing Elites

1. How do vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop memory without causing full-blown illness? What type of molecule in a vaccine typically triggers the immune response?

• A. Toxins produced by the pathogen
• B. Live, attenuated (weakened) forms of the pathogen
• C. Inactivated (dead) forms of the pathogen
• D. Antigens (specific molecules) from the pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vaccines work by triggering the immune system to develop memory without causing illness. They typically contain antigens, which are specific molecules from the pathogen. These antigens stimulate the immune system to produce a targeted immune response without causing full-blown sickness. By presenting these antigens, vaccines help the immune system create memory cells that remember the pathogen. This memory allows the immune system to respond more effectively if it encounters the pathogen in the future. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because vaccines do not typically contain toxins, live pathogens, or inactivated forms of the pathogen. Instead, vaccines primarily rely on specific molecules (antigens) to induce an immune response.

2. What enzyme plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine. It specifically targets starches and sugars, breaking them down into smaller molecules like maltose and glucose that can be absorbed by the body. Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach, not the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, not carbohydrates. Trypsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine, not carbohydrates.

3. Which type of tissue protects the respiratory system's trachea?

• A. Bone
• B. Cartilage
• C. Collagen
• D. Keratin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is the correct answer as it provides flexible support and protection in the trachea. Cartilage is specifically designed to maintain the trachea's shape and prevent it from collapsing during breathing. Bone is a rigid tissue, not found in the trachea, and would not provide the necessary flexibility for breathing. Collagen is a structural protein but does not offer the same support and flexibility as cartilage in this context. Keratin is a protein that forms structures like hair and nails, and it is not present in the trachea to provide protection.

4. Which type of white blood cell directly attacks and destroys pathogens like bacteria and viruses?

• A. Neutrophils
• B. Lymphocytes
• C. Monocytes
• D. Eosinophils

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system's response to infections. They are phagocytes, meaning they engulf and destroy pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are known for their rapid response to infections, making them the primary cell type that directly attacks and destroys pathogens. Lymphocytes, although important in adaptive immunity, are not primarily responsible for directly attacking and destroying pathogens. Monocytes are involved in phagocytosis and immune response regulation but are not the primary cell type for direct pathogen destruction like neutrophils. Eosinophils are mainly involved in combating multicellular parasites and are not the primary cell type for targeting bacteria and viruses.

5. Which of the following is the main organ responsible for absorbing nutrients?

• A. Stomach
• B. Small intestine
• C. Large intestine
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the main organ responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. It is where the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals occurs. The inner lining of the small intestine is covered in tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. While the stomach plays a role in breaking down food into smaller particles, the actual absorption of nutrients primarily takes place in the small intestine. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, and the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones but is not primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients.

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