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 structures provide comprehensive protection for the brain?

• A. Skull
• B. Meninges (Membranes)
• C. Cerebrospinal fluid
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The brain is a vital organ that requires robust protection, which is provided by a combination of structures. The skull acts as a hard, protective covering for the brain, shielding it from external trauma and injury. The meninges encompass three layers of membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater) that envelop the brain and spinal cord, offering additional protection and cushioning. Cerebrospinal fluid, a clear, colorless fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, acts as a shock absorber and provides nutrients to the central nervous system. The combined function of the skull, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid ensures comprehensive protection for the brain, making option D, 'All of the above,' the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are not individually sufficient to provide comprehensive protection, but together, they form a multi-layered defense system for the brain.

3. Which structure protects the lungs?

• A. Femur
• B. Ribcage
• C. Scapula
• D. Skull

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ribcage is the correct answer. It protects the lungs by providing structural support and shielding them from injury. The femur is a bone in the thigh and does not protect the lungs. The scapula is a shoulder blade bone, and the skull protects the brain, not the lungs.

4. What are substances that stimulate adaptive immunity called?

• A. Peptides
• B. Phagocytes
• C. Prions
• D. Platelets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Substances that stimulate adaptive immunity are called peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that play a crucial role in activating the immune response by interacting with immune cells such as T cells and B cells. Peptides are important in antigen presentation and recognition, leading to the development of specific immune responses against pathogens. Choice B, phagocytes, are cells that engulf and digest pathogens but are not substances that stimulate adaptive immunity. Choice C, prions, are infectious agents made of misfolded proteins and are not related to stimulating adaptive immunity. Choice D, platelets, are cell fragments involved in blood clotting and have no direct role in stimulating adaptive immunity.

5. An atom has 17 protons, 20 neutrons, and 17 electrons. What is its mass, in amu?

• A. 17
• B. 20
• C. 37
• D. 54

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The atomic mass of an atom is the sum of the protons and neutrons in its nucleus. In this case, the atom has 17 protons and 20 neutrons, totaling 37 particles in the nucleus. Electrons are not considered in the atomic mass calculation as their mass is negligible compared to protons and neutrons. Therefore, the mass of the atom in atomic mass units (amu) is 37.

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