Nursing Elites

1. What is the difference between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron?

• A. Sensory neurons carry signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system, while motor neurons carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.
• B. Sensory neurons control voluntary muscles, while motor neurons control involuntary muscles.
• C. Sensory neurons are located in the peripheral nervous system, while motor neurons are located in the central nervous system.
• D. Sensory neurons detect light, while motor neurons detect sound.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sensory neurons are responsible for carrying signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), allowing the brain to receive information about the external environment. On the other hand, motor neurons carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling the brain to control voluntary and involuntary movements. Choice B is incorrect because sensory neurons do not control muscles, and motor neurons control both voluntary and involuntary muscles. Choice C is incorrect as sensory neurons are located in the peripheral nervous system, while motor neurons are located in the central nervous system. Choice D is incorrect because sensory neurons detect various stimuli such as touch, taste, smell, and sound, while motor neurons are not involved in detecting sensory stimuli.

2. Which hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle?

• A. Cortisol
• B. Melatonin
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Melatonin. Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It helps signal to the body when it's time to sleep and wake up, playing a crucial role in maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. Choice A, Cortisol, is known as the stress hormone and plays a role in the body's response to stress, not specifically in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Choice C, Thyroxine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, not the sleep-wake cycle. Choice D, Insulin, is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels, not the sleep-wake cycle.

3. The largest level of ecological organization is a:

• A. Population
• B. Community
• C. Ecosystem
• D. Biome

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Population: A population consists of individuals of the same species living in the same area. It is a smaller level of ecological organization compared to a biome. B) Community: A community consists of populations of different species living and interacting in the same area. It is a larger level of organization than a population but smaller than an ecosystem or biome. C) Ecosystem: An ecosystem includes all living organisms (biotic factors) and their physical environment (abiotic factors) interacting in a particular area. It is a larger level of organization than a community but smaller than a biome. D) Biome: The correct answer is D - Biome. A biome is the largest level of ecological organization and encompasses a large geographic area characterized by a specific climate, vegetation, and animal life. Biomes can be found on multiple continents and are defined by similar abiotic and biotic factors. Therefore, it is the largest level of ecological organization among the options provided, making it the correct answer.

4. A pediatrician notes that an infant's cartilage is disappearing and being replaced by bone. What process has the doctor observed?

• A. Mineralization
• B. Ossification
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Calcification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The doctor has observed the process of ossification. Ossification is the natural process where cartilage in the body is replaced by bone. This process takes place during fetal development, growth, and bone fracture healing. Ossification involves the formation of bone tissue by depositing minerals like calcium and phosphorus within the cartilage matrix, leading to the development of a bone structure. Choice A, mineralization, refers to the process of forming mineral deposits in tissues, but it does not involve the replacement of cartilage by bone. Choice C, osteoporosis, is a condition characterized by bone density loss and increased fragility, not the natural process of cartilage replacement by bone. Choice D, calcification, is the process of deposition of calcium salts in various tissues, but it does not specifically involve the replacement of cartilage by bone as in ossification.

5. What might happen if blood sugar begins to drop in the human body?

• A. The pancreas releases insulin.
• B. The liver releases stored glucose.
• C. The liver stores glucose as glycogen.
• D. The pancreas releases glucagon.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When blood sugar levels drop in the body, the pancreas releases glucagon. Glucagon acts to increase blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A is incorrect because the release of insulin lowers blood sugar levels, opposite of what happens when blood sugar is dropping. Choice B is incorrect as the liver releases stored glucose in response to low blood sugar, not when blood sugar is already dropping. Choice C is also incorrect as the liver stores glucose as glycogen but doesn't directly impact blood sugar levels dropping in the moment.

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