Nursing Elites

1. What is the name for the hard, protective protein that makes up hair and nails?

• A. Collagen
• B. Keratin
• C. Elastin
• D. Fibrin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Keratin is the correct answer as it is the hard, protective protein that comprises hair and nails. Collagen is a different type of protein found in connective tissues, providing structure and support. Elastin imparts elasticity to tissues, allowing them to stretch and recoil. Fibrin is a protein involved in the blood clotting process and is not related to the structure of hair and nails. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect in the context of the question.

2. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

• A. Maintain body temperature
• B. Deliver oxygen to the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide
• C. Produce antibodies for the immune system
• D. Break down food molecules for energy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide. This process occurs through breathing, where oxygen is inhaled into the lungs and then transferred to the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream and exhaled out of the body. Maintaining body temperature (A), producing antibodies for the immune system (C), and breaking down food molecules for energy (D) are functions of other systems in the body, not the respiratory system. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

3. Which of the following enzymes unwinds the double-stranded DNA during replication?

• A. Helicase
• B. Ligase
• C. Nuclease
• D. Polymerase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Helicase is the enzyme responsible for unwinding the double-stranded DNA during replication by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs. This process creates the replication fork where DNA polymerase can then synthesize new DNA strands. Ligase functions to join Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, not unwind DNA. Nuclease is involved in DNA repair by removing damaged DNA segments. Polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands based on the existing template strands, not for unwinding the DNA.

4. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys?

• A. Calcitonin
• B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It works by decreasing blood calcium levels through two main mechanisms: promoting calcium uptake by bones and decreasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), on the other hand, increases blood calcium levels by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Thyroxine, another thyroid hormone, primarily regulates metabolism and has no direct influence on calcium levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and is not related to calcium homeostasis.

5. According to Newton's third law of motion, if you push against a wall with a certain force, the wall will push back with:

• A. A smaller force
• B. An equal force
• C. A greater force
• D. No force at all

Correct answer: B

Rationale: According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When you push against a wall with a certain force, the wall will push back on you with an equal force in the opposite direction. Choice A is incorrect because the wall exerts an equal force back. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a greater force, which goes against Newton's third law. Choice D is incorrect as the wall does exert a force back in response to your push.

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