Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which organ produces insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels?

• A. Parathyroid gland
• B. Pancreas
• C. Thymus gland
• D. Ovaries

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Beta cells located in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas are responsible for insulin production. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby maintaining blood sugar levels within a normal range. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the parathyroid gland is primarily involved in regulating calcium levels, the thymus gland is involved in immune function, and the ovaries are involved in reproductive functions, not insulin production for blood sugar regulation.

3. The number of protons in an atom is determined by its:

• A. Atomic mass
• B. Electron configuration
• C. Chemical properties
• D. Atomic number

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is determined by its atomic number. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which also determines the element's identity. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Atomic number. Choices (A) Atomic mass, (B) Electron configuration, and (C) Chemical properties are not directly related to the number of protons in an atom. Atomic mass is the total mass of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom. Electron configuration refers to the arrangement of electrons in an atom's energy levels, and chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons in the outermost energy level.

4. Where does mRNA translation typically occur?

• A. On the ribosome
• B. In the nucleus
• C. In the cytoplasm
• D. On the smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: mRNA translation typically occurs on the ribosome. Ribosomes are the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. They read the mRNA sequence and assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain during translation. The correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The nucleus is where mRNA is transcribed from DNA, while translation occurs in the cytoplasm on ribosomes. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein processing and transport but not in mRNA translation.

5. Which valve prevents the return of blood into the right ventricle?

• A. Pulmonary semilunar valve
• B. Aortic semilunar valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary semilunar valve. The pulmonary semilunar valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It opens to allow blood to be pumped into the pulmonary artery but closes to prevent blood from returning back into the right ventricle. The aortic semilunar valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. Therefore, the pulmonary semilunar valve is the specific valve responsible for preventing the backflow of blood into the right ventricle during the cardiac cycle.

Similar Questions