Nursing Elites

1. What is the process of cells becoming specialized to perform specific functions called?

• A. Cell division
• B. Cell differentiation
• C. Cell growth
• D. Cell regeneration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cell differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized to perform specific functions. During differentiation, cells acquire specific structures and functions that allow them to carry out particular roles in the body. Cell division refers to the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. Cell growth is the process by which cells increase in size and number. Cell regeneration is the process by which new cells are produced to replace damaged or lost cells in an organism. Therefore, in this context, the process of cells becoming specialized to perform specific functions is best described as cell differentiation.

2. What is the function of the alveoli in the lungs?

• A. To exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen
• B. To transport air to the lungs
• C. To filter blood
• D. To produce mucus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corrected answer is A: 'To exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen.' The alveoli in the lungs are responsible for facilitating gas exchange, where oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. This process is vital for respiration and maintaining proper oxygen levels in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the alveoli are not involved in transporting air to the lungs; they are primarily responsible for gas exchange. Choice C is incorrect because the alveoli do not filter blood; their main function is gas exchange. Choice D is incorrect because alveoli do not produce mucus; mucus is produced by other specialized cells in the respiratory system.

3. Not all cells in the pancreas secrete insulin because of the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the release of insulin by all cells. What type of intercellular chemical signal does this illustrate?

• A. Autocrine
• B. Neuromodulator
• C. Paracrine
• D. Pheromone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paracrine. Somatostatin acts in a paracrine manner by inhibiting the release of insulin from nearby cells within the pancreas. Paracrine signaling involves the secretion of signals that act on neighboring cells, as seen in this scenario where somatostatin affects nearby pancreatic cells without entering the bloodstream or affecting distant cells. Autocrine signaling involves cells responding to substances they themselves release, which is not the case here. Neuromodulators are chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, not directly related to this scenario. Pheromones are chemicals released into the environment to communicate with individuals of the same species, not relevant to the signaling within the pancreas.

4. How does an increase in temperature generally affect the solubility of most solid solutes in a liquid solvent?

• A. It increases solubility
• B. It decreases solubility
• C. It has no effect on solubility
• D. It depends on the nature of the solute

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In general, increasing temperature tends to increase the solubility of most solid solutes in liquid solvents. This occurs because higher temperatures provide more energy for the solvent molecules to break the solute-solvent attractive forces and allow more solute to dissolve. The increase in temperature facilitates the dissolution process by overcoming the intermolecular forces that hold the solute particles together. Choice B is incorrect because higher temperatures typically lead to greater solubility. Choice C is incorrect as temperature changes usually impact solubility. Choice D is incorrect because although the nature of the solute can influence solubility, the general trend is that higher temperatures enhance solubility for most solid solutes in liquid solvents.

5. What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

• A. To fight infection
• B. To transport oxygen
• C. To regulate body functions through hormones
• D. To break down food

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To regulate body functions through hormones.' The endocrine system is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that help regulate various body functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. It does not primarily function to fight infection (A), transport oxygen (B), or break down food (D). While the immune system fights infection, the respiratory system transports oxygen, and the digestive system breaks down food, the main role of the endocrine system is to maintain homeostasis by coordinating and controlling bodily functions through the release of hormones.

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