Nursing Elites

1. What is a submicroscopic entity that is considered nonliving because it lacks cellular structure and consists of nucleic acids encapsulated in a protein coat called a capsid?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Fungus
• C. Virus
• D. Protozoa

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Virus. Viruses are not considered living organisms because they lack cellular structure. Instead, they are composed of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid. Bacteria (choice A), fungus (choice B), and protozoa (choice D) are all living organisms with cellular structures, unlike viruses. Therefore, they are incorrect choices for this question.

2. What is the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands?

• A. Insulin
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands is parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body by increasing calcium levels in the blood through various mechanisms, such as promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels, calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland and helps lower blood calcium levels, and thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands.

3. Which type of joint connects the bones of the skull?

• A. Synovial
• B. Fibrous
• C. Cartilaginous
• D. Ball-and-socket

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fibrous joints connect the bones of the skull. These joints are immovable or provide very limited movement, providing stability and protection to the brain. Synovial joints (Choice A) are found in the limbs and allow for a wide range of movements. Cartilaginous joints (Choice C) are connected by cartilage and allow limited movement. Ball-and-socket joints (Choice D) allow for a wide range of motion, such as the hip and shoulder joints, but they do not connect the bones of the skull.

4. Which of the following structures is unique to eukaryotic cells?

• A. Cell walls
• B. Nuclei
• C. Cell membranes
• D. Vacuoles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nuclei are structures that are unique to eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus, and their genetic material floats freely in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells have nuclei that house the genetic material in the form of chromosomes, separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane. This distinct organelle is a key feature that sets eukaryotic cells apart from prokaryotic cells. Cell walls (Choice A) are found in plant cells, fungi, and some prokaryotes but are not unique to eukaryotic cells. Cell membranes (Choice C) are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, serving as a barrier that encloses the cell contents. Vacuoles (Choice D) are membrane-bound organelles found in both plant and animal cells, making them not unique to eukaryotic cells.

5. 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.

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