Nursing Elites

1. What is a lysosome?

• A. A sac-like structure that contains enzymes that break down cellular components
• B. A network of tubules that transport proteins and lipids throughout the cell
• C. The site of protein synthesis
• D. The site of cellular respiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A lysosome is a membrane-bound organelle found in animal cells that contains digestive enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down various cellular components, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and even foreign particles like bacteria. This breakdown process is crucial for maintaining cell health and function by recycling and disposing of cellular waste. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because lysosomes are not involved in transporting proteins and lipids throughout the cell (option B), protein synthesis (option C), or cellular respiration (option D). Lysosomes primarily function as the cell's 'recycling center' by breaking down and processing cellular materials.

2. Connective tissue provides support and connects other tissues. What is the main component that gives connective tissue its strength?

• A. Collagen fibers
• B. Epithelial cells
• C. Nerve cells
• D. Blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Collagen fibers are the main component that gives connective tissue its strength. Collagen is a fibrous protein that provides structural support and tensile strength to connective tissues, allowing them to withstand stretching and tension. Epithelial cells, nerve cells, and blood cells are not the main components responsible for the strength of connective tissue. Epithelial cells are specialized for covering and lining surfaces, nerve cells transmit signals, and blood cells are involved in various functions like oxygen transport and immune response, but they do not provide the structural strength typical of collagen fibers in connective tissue.

3. When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:

• A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
• B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
• C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
• D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

4. Which cells myelinate neurons in the PNS?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Schwann cells are the glial cells responsible for myelinating neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They form the myelin sheath around axons, which helps in the conduction of electrical impulses. Oligodendrocytes, on the other hand, myelinate neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes primarily provide support for neuronal function by regulating the chemical environment around neurons and maintaining the blood-brain barrier. Microglia are part of the immune response in the CNS, where they act as the resident macrophages, playing a role in immune surveillance and response to injury or disease. Therefore, the correct answer is Schwann cells (Choice C) as they specifically myelinate neurons in the PNS, differentiating them from the other cell types mentioned in the choices.

5. What is the term for the first exposure to a specific pathogen, leading to the development of an initial immune response?

• A. Primary immune response
• B. Secondary immune response
• C. Hypersensitivity reaction
• D. Immunological tolerance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Primary immune response. The primary immune response refers to the initial encounter with a specific pathogen, which triggers the development of the first immune response by the immune system. This response involves activating immune cells like B cells and T cells to produce antibodies and memory cells specific to that pathogen. On the other hand, the secondary immune response occurs upon re-exposure to the same pathogen and is characterized by a faster, stronger, and more effective immune response due to the presence of memory cells from the primary response. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The secondary immune response is the response upon re-exposure, hypersensitivity reactions are exaggerated immune responses to antigens, and immunological tolerance is the immune system's ability to recognize and tolerate self-antigens without mounting an immune response.

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