Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath that surrounds some axons in the nervous system?

• A. To initiate nerve impulses
• B. To transmit sensory information
• C. To speed up the transmission of nerve impulses
• D. To connect neurons at synapses

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the myelin sheath is to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses. The myelin sheath acts as an insulating layer around the axon, allowing for faster conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fiber. This insulation prevents the electrical signal from dissipating or 'leaking' out, which helps in the rapid and efficient transmission of nerve impulses along the axon. Choice A is incorrect because the myelin sheath does not initiate nerve impulses; it helps in conducting them. Choice B is incorrect as the myelin sheath's main role is not in transmitting sensory information but rather in facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses. Choice D is incorrect because the myelin sheath's function is not to connect neurons at synapses; instead, it is primarily involved in enhancing the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

2. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. What is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases?

• A. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals
• B. Exposure to environmental toxins
• C. Breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases result from a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms, leading to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body tissues. While deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals or exposure to environmental toxins can impact overall health, they are not direct causes of autoimmune diseases. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals may weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to various health issues but does not directly cause autoimmune diseases. Exposure to environmental toxins can trigger immune responses, but autoimmune diseases specifically stem from the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms within immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms.

3. Which part of the male reproductive system is responsible for producing seminal fluid?

• A. Bladder
• B. Urethra
• C. Prostate gland
• D. Kidney

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the prostate gland (Choice C). The prostate gland, located near the bladder, is responsible for producing seminal fluid. This fluid, along with sperm from the testes, makes up semen. The bladder stores urine, the urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, and the kidney filters waste from the blood to produce urine. The prostate gland's specific function is to secrete a milky, alkaline fluid that mixes with sperm during ejaculation to form semen. This fluid helps nourish and protect the sperm, aiding in their motility and viability. Therefore, the prostate gland plays a crucial role in male reproductive function by contributing to the composition and quality of semen, essential for fertility.

4. Which of the following organs belongs to the digestive system?

• A. Spine
• B. Lungs
• C. Brain
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Stomach. The stomach is an organ of the digestive system. Its main function is to break down and digest food, allowing the nutrients to be absorbed into the body. The stomach secretes digestive enzymes and acids to help in the digestion process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as the spine, lungs, and brain are not part of the digestive system. The spine is part of the skeletal system, the lungs belong to the respiratory system, and the brain is part of the nervous system.

5. How does AIDS impair the immune system?

• A. AIDS targets and destroys Helper T-Cells, preventing the activation of Cytotoxic T-Cells or B-Cells.
• B. IgE stimulates mast cells to release excessive histamine.
• C. IgE inhibits mast cells from releasing sufficient histamine.
• D. Helper T-Cells deceive the body into attacking itself.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: AIDS targets and destroys Helper T-Cells, which play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response. By affecting these cells, AIDS prevents the activation of other important immune cells like Cytotoxic T-Cells or B-Cells. This disruption in the immune system's communication and response mechanisms leads to immune system failure and increased vulnerability to infections. Choices B and C are incorrect because they refer to the role of IgE in allergic reactions, which is not directly related to how AIDS impairs the immune system. Choice D is also incorrect as Helper T-Cells being destroyed in AIDS is not about deceiving the body into attacking itself, but rather the direct impact on immune system function.

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