Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following cations is found at the center of a heme?

• A. Cr (III)
• B. Cu (II)
• C. Iron (II)
• D. Iron (III)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Iron (II) (Fe2+), which is the cation found at the center of a heme group. Heme contains an iron (II) ion that is coordinated within the porphyrin ring structure. This iron ion is crucial for the function of heme in binding and transporting oxygen in hemoglobin and myoglobin. Choice A (Cr (III)) is incorrect as chromium is not typically found at the center of a heme group. Choice B (Cu (II)) is incorrect as copper is not the cation typically present in heme. Choice D (Iron (III)) is also incorrect as heme predominantly contains iron (II) at its center, not iron (III).

2. The dark, round structures observed within some bacterial cells are most likely:

• A. Ribosomes
• B. Flagella
• C. Endospores
• D. Capsules

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Endospores are the correct answer. Endospores are dark, round structures observed within some bacterial cells. They are highly resistant dormant structures formed by certain bacteria in response to harsh environmental conditions. Ribosomes are not dark, round structures within bacterial cells; they are responsible for protein synthesis. Flagella are long, whip-like appendages used for movement and are not dark, round structures within bacterial cells. Capsules are outer layers of polysaccharides that some bacteria produce for protection and adherence, not dark, round structures within bacterial cells.

3. Which hormone stimulates the release of calcium from bones and increases blood calcium levels?

• A. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Growth hormone
• D. Testosterone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the correct answer. PTH stimulates the release of calcium from bones, leading to increased blood calcium levels. It acts on the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream, facilitates the kidneys' reabsorption of calcium, and triggers vitamin D activation to boost calcium absorption from the intestines. Choice B, Calcitonin, is incorrect as it works in opposition to PTH by decreasing blood calcium levels through inhibiting calcium release from bones. Choices C and D, Growth hormone and Testosterone, are not directly involved in calcium homeostasis and do not regulate blood calcium levels through bone calcium release mechanisms.

4. Which of the following is responsible for carrying electrical impulses in the nervous system?

• A. Platelets
• B. Neurons
• C. Red blood cells
• D. White blood cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neurons are the correct answer as they are specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit electrical impulses throughout the body. Neurons have structures like axons and dendrites that enable the transmission of electrical signals. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting, red blood cells carry oxygen, and white blood cells are part of the immune system; however, none of these cell types play a role in carrying electrical impulses in the nervous system.

5. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress, including the regulation of salt and water balance?

• A. Aldosterone
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Cortisol
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is the correct answer. It is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress by regulating salt and water balance. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water, helping to maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance during stressful situations. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, and cortisol are other hormones produced by the adrenal glands, but they have different functions in the stress response. Epinephrine primarily acts to increase heart rate and blood flow in response to stress, while cortisol helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and inflammation. Insulin, on the other hand, is produced by the pancreas and is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not salt and water balance.

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