Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland?

• A. Stimulate metabolism and heat production
• B. Increase calcium absorption from the intestines
• C. Enhance bone growth and development
• D. Lower blood calcium levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that primarily functions to lower blood calcium levels. It achieves this by inhibiting bone breakdown and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it reflects the main role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the primary function of calcitonin. Calcitonin does not stimulate metabolism and heat production (Choice A), increase calcium absorption from the intestines (Choice B), or enhance bone growth and development (Choice C).

2. What are stem cells that can develop into many different cell types, but not a complete organism, known as?

• A. Totipotent stem cells
• B. Multipotent stem cells
• C. Pluripotent stem cells
• D. Hematopoietic stem cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pluripotent stem cells are capable of developing into many different cell types, but they cannot form a complete organism. Totipotent stem cells have the ability to give rise to all cell types in an organism, including extraembryonic tissues, enabling them to form a complete organism. Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited range of cell types. Hematopoietic stem cells specifically give rise to blood cells.

3. What is the primary function of the digestive system?

• A. To break down food into nutrients
• B. To absorb oxygen
• C. To produce energy
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To break down food into nutrients.' The primary function of the digestive system is to break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body for energy, growth, and repair. The digestive system is not responsible for absorbing oxygen (Choice B), as that is the role of the respiratory system. While the digestion process does release energy from nutrients, the primary function is not to produce energy (Choice C), but rather to extract nutrients for energy production. Regulating body temperature (Choice D) is primarily handled by the thermoregulatory mechanisms in the body, such as the skin and sweat glands, not the digestive system.

4. Which of the following factors would increase the solubility of a gas in a liquid?

• A. Decreasing temperature
• B. Increasing pressure
• C. Decreasing surface area
• D. Increasing particle size

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is increasing pressure. According to Henry's Law, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid. Therefore, increasing pressure would force more gas molecules into the liquid, leading to an increase in solubility. Conversely, decreasing temperature, decreasing surface area, and increasing particle size would not directly impact the solubility of a gas in a liquid. Decreasing temperature typically decreases solubility as gases are less soluble at lower temperatures. Decreasing surface area and increasing particle size are related to surface area and not the pressure above the liquid, thus not affecting solubility as pressure does.

5. What is a major structure of the limbic system?

• A. Brainstem
• B. Spinal cord
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Cerebral cortex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a significant structure of the limbic system responsible for regulating various functions such as emotions, autonomic functions, and hormone production. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and orchestrating responses to stress and emotional stimuli. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The brainstem, although a vital part of the brain, is not a major structure of the limbic system. The spinal cord is not part of the limbic system; it is primarily involved in transmitting sensory and motor information between the brain and the rest of the body. The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions but is not a major structure within the limbic system.

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