Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the sinuses?

• A. To trap many airborne pathogens
• B. To direct air down the trachea rather than the esophagus
• C. To warm, humidify, and filter air
• D. To sweep away pathogens and direct them toward the top of the trachea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct function of the sinuses is to warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe. Sinuses play a crucial role in preparing the air for the respiratory system by adding moisture, warmth, and filtering out particles. Choice A is incorrect because while sinuses can help filter some particles, their primary function is not to trap pathogens. Choice B is incorrect as the sinuses do not control the direction of air down the trachea; this is regulated by the epiglottis and vocal cords. Choice D is incorrect as sinuses do not sweep pathogens away or direct them towards the trachea; instead, they condition the air for respiration.

2. What is the role of the spleen in the body?

• A. To produce bile
• B. To filter blood and remove old red blood cells
• C. To produce red blood cells
• D. To store fat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The spleen acts as a blood filter, removing old or damaged red blood cells. It also plays a role in immune responses, storing blood reserves, and helping to fight infection. The production of bile is primarily associated with the liver, not the spleen. While the bone marrow is responsible for red blood cell production, the spleen's main functions do not include this process. Storing fat is not a primary function of the spleen.

3. Which type of mutation involves a change in the number of chromosomes?

• A. Point mutation
• B. Frameshift mutation
• C. Missense mutation
• D. Aneuploidy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Point mutation involves a change in a single nucleotide base pair within the DNA sequence. B) Frameshift mutation involves the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, causing a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code. C) Missense mutation involves a single nucleotide change that results in a codon that codes for a different amino acid. D) Aneuploidy involves a change in the number of chromosomes, where an individual may have an extra chromosome (trisomy) or a missing chromosome (monosomy). Aneuploidy can lead to genetic disorders such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Turner syndrome (monosomy X). Changing the number of chromosomes is a characteristic feature of aneuploidy, making it the correct answer. Point mutation, frameshift mutation, and missense mutation do not involve a change in the number of chromosomes and are focused on alterations at the nucleotide level within the DNA sequence.

4. The endocrine system communicates through chemical messengers called:

• A. Enzymes
• B. Hormones
• C. Antibodies
• D. Neurons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hormones. The endocrine system communicates through hormones, which are chemical messengers produced by glands and released into the bloodstream to target specific cells or organs in the body. Enzymes are biological molecules that catalyze biochemical reactions, antibodies are part of the immune system, and neurons are cells that transmit nerve impulses. In this context, enzymes, antibodies, and neurons do not play roles in the endocrine system's communication process, making them incorrect choices.

5. Which of the following describes the general function of cytokines in the immune system?

• A. They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.
• B. They inhibit blood clotting during inflammation responses.
• C. They bind to specific pathogens to increase pathogen mass.
• D. They transport pathogens trapped in mucus to be destroyed in the stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.' Cytokines are signaling molecules that act as messengers between cells in the immune system, playing a vital role in coordinating and regulating immune responses. They communicate with various immune cells to initiate appropriate responses against pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because cytokines do not inhibit blood clotting but rather regulate immune responses. Choice C is incorrect as cytokines do not bind to specific pathogens to increase their mass; instead, they regulate the immune response. Choice D is also incorrect because cytokines do not transport pathogens trapped in mucus to the stomach for destruction; they primarily function as signaling molecules within the immune system.

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