Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands is parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body by increasing calcium levels in the blood through various mechanisms, such as promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels, calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland and helps lower blood calcium levels, and thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands.

2. What is the difference between the atomic number and the mass number of an atom?

• A. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• B. The atomic number is the number of electrons in an atom, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• C. The atomic number is the number of neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and electrons in an atom.
• D. The atomic number is the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of electrons in an atom.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of an atom represents the number of protons in its nucleus, which defines the element's identity. On the other hand, the mass number corresponds to the total sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the key distinction between the atomic number and the mass number lies in the fact that the atomic number specifically counts the protons, whereas the mass number encompasses both protons and neutrons. Choice B is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons but rather to the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because the atomic number is not the number of neutrons but the number of protons. Choice D is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it is solely the number of protons.

3. Which element is a good conductor of electricity but is not a metal?

• A. Copper
• B. Silver
• C. Graphite
• D. Gold

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is graphite. Graphite is a non-metal that is a good conductor of electricity due to its unique electronic structure. While metals are typically known for their conductivity, graphite is an exception to this rule. Copper (choice A), silver (choice B), and gold (choice D) are all metals and are known for their excellent conductivity. Therefore, they do not fit the criteria of the question, which specifically asks for an element that is a good conductor of electricity but is not a metal.

4. Which gland in the endocrine system is responsible for the production of red blood cells?

• A. Pituitary gland
• B. Thyroid gland
• C. Thymus gland
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Red blood cells are not produced by any of the glands listed in the options. Instead, red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. The pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' and controls several other endocrine glands but is not responsible for red blood cell production. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and growth, not red blood cell production. The thymus gland is responsible for the production of T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. The parathyroid gland regulates calcium levels in the body, not red blood cell production. Therefore, none of the glands listed are responsible for the production of red blood cells.

5. What is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body?

• A. Jugular vein
• B. Thoracic duct
• C. Subclavian vein
• D. Aorta

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, responsible for draining lymph from most parts of the body except for the right upper quadrant. The jugular vein, subclavian vein, and aorta are not part of the lymphatic system; they are blood vessels and do not serve as lymphatic vessels. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not associated with the lymphatic system's transport of lymph.

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