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 of the following glands produces growth hormone?

• A. Pituitary
• B. Thyroid
• C. Adrenal
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pituitary. The pituitary gland, also known as the master gland, produces growth hormone, which plays a crucial role in stimulating growth and cell reproduction. Choice B, the thyroid gland, primarily produces hormones that regulate metabolism, not growth hormone. Choice C, the adrenal glands, produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, but not growth hormone. Choice D, the pancreas, produces insulin and glucagon for regulating blood sugar levels, not growth hormone.

3. What is the name of the curved bone in the back that provides support and attachment for muscles?

• A. Sternum
• B. Scapula
• C. Clavicle
• D. Vertebral column

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is the curved bone in the back that provides support and attachment for muscles. It consists of individual vertebrae stacked on top of each other, forming a flexible and protective structure for the spinal cord. The sternum, scapula, and clavicle are bones in the chest and shoulder regions, not in the back where the vertebral column is located. Therefore, the correct answer is the vertebral column (Option D). Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they are bones situated in the chest and shoulder areas, not in the back where the vertebral column is found.

4. Which group of antibiotics targets the cell wall of bacteria?

• A. Penicillins
• B. Tetracyclines
• C. Macrolides
• D. Fluoroquinolones

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Penicillins are a group of antibiotics that target the bacterial cell wall by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a vital component of the cell wall. This inhibition weakens the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. Penicillins are particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria due to their mechanism of action. Tetracyclines (B) inhibit protein synthesis, Macrolides (C) interfere with bacterial ribosomes, and Fluoroquinolones (D) target bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Unlike Penicillins, these antibiotics do not directly target the cell wall of bacteria.

5. What does the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determine?

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Isotope
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is referred to as the atomic number. This atomic number is crucial as it uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Isotopes are variants of elements with the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons. Valence electron count pertains to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, which influences its chemical behavior.

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