Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of lysosomes?

• A. Breaking down and recycling cellular waste
• B. Storing carbohydrates
• C. Synthesizing lipids
• D. Transcribing DNA into mRNA

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of lysosomes is to break down and recycle cellular waste materials, such as old organelles, foreign substances, and cellular debris. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and proper functioning. Storing carbohydrates (B), synthesizing lipids (C), and transcribing DNA into mRNA (D) are not functions typically associated with lysosomes. Storing carbohydrates is primarily done by other organelles like vacuoles. Synthesizing lipids is a function usually associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and transcribing DNA into mRNA occurs in the nucleus by the process of transcription.

2. Which of the following is an example of a pivot joint?

• A. Hip
• B. Neck
• C. Shoulder
• D. Elbow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Neck. A pivot joint, as found in the neck, allows for rotational movement around a single axis. This type of joint is essential for movements like shaking your head 'no' or looking left and right. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the hip, shoulder, and elbow joints are examples of ball-and-socket joints, which allow for a wide range of motion in multiple directions, not just rotational movement around a single axis like a pivot joint.

3. The adrenal cortex produces a group of steroid hormones called corticosteroids. What is a MAJOR function of corticosteroids?

• A. Regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels
• B. Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance
• C. Stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response
• D. Promote growth and development during puberty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corticosteroids, produced by the adrenal cortex, primarily function to control blood pressure and electrolyte balance. One of the key corticosteroids, aldosterone, plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. This regulation is essential for maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because corticosteroids do not primarily regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response, or promote growth and development during puberty. While corticosteroids can have effects on insulin sensitivity, immune response, and growth, their major role is in maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

4. What is the atomic number of an element?

• A. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
• B. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
• C. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.
• D. The number of isotopes of an element.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. This number is crucial as it determines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table. Option B is incorrect because the number of neutrons can vary in isotopes but is not the atomic number. Option C is incorrect as the number of electrons in an atom's valence shell can vary based on the element's charge, not defining the atomic number. Option D is also incorrect because the number of isotopes is not the atomic number of an element.

5. Which neurotransmitter is associated with mood, sleep, and memory?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Serotonin
• C. Acetylcholine
• D. Glutamate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with regulating mood, sleep, and memory. It plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional balance and is often a target in treating mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Serotonin also helps regulate sleep patterns and is connected to memory function. Dopamine (choice A) is more commonly linked to reward, motivation, and movement. Acetylcholine (choice C) is involved in muscle control and memory. Glutamate (choice D) is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain but is not primarily associated with mood, sleep, and memory.

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