Nursing Elites

1. When animals eat, insulin is released from the pancreas, stimulating glucose uptake by the liver. When glucose levels drop, the pancreas reduces insulin release. This is an example of which mechanism for maintaining homeostasis?

• A. Negative feedback.
• B. Positive feedback.
• C. Stress response.
• D. Parasympathetic regulation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This mechanism is an example of negative feedback. Negative feedback systems work to counteract changes in the body and maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis). In this case, the release of insulin in response to high glucose levels is followed by a reduction in insulin release when glucose levels drop. This response helps regulate glucose levels and return them to a normal range, demonstrating the characteristic of negative feedback where the body's response opposes the initial stimulus to maintain equilibrium. Positive feedback would amplify the initial change rather than counteract it, so it is not the correct choice. Stress response and parasympathetic regulation are not directly involved in this glucose regulation process, making them incorrect choices.

2. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

• A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
• B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
• C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
• D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

3. Which type of fiber is insoluble and promotes gut motility?

• A. Pectin
• B. Cellulose
• C. Beta-gluca
• D. Guar gum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Pectin is a soluble fiber found in fruits and vegetables. It forms a gel-like substance in the gut and can help lower cholesterol levels. B) Cellulose is an insoluble fiber found in plants, particularly in the cell walls of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It adds bulk to the stool and promotes gut motility by aiding in the movement of food through the digestive system. C) Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber found in oats and barley. It can help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control. D) Guar gum is a soluble fiber derived from guar beans. It can help with digestion and may have a role in managing blood sugar levels. In this case, the question specifically asks for the type of fiber that is insoluble and promotes gut motility, which is characteristic of cellulose.

4. The adaptive immune system has two main branches: humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Which type of immune cell is primarily responsible for antibody production?

• A. Helper T cells
• B. Cytotoxic T cells
• C. B cells
• D. Natural killer cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: B cells are primarily responsible for antibody production in the adaptive immune system. When activated, B cells differentiate into plasma cells, which are specialized to produce antibodies. Helper T cells play a crucial role in activating B cells, but they do not directly produce antibodies. Cytotoxic T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity by killing infected cells, while natural killer cells are part of the innate immune system and target virus-infected and cancerous cells. Therefore, the correct answer is C (B cells) as they are directly involved in the production of antibodies, essential for humoral immunity.

5. What characteristic unites all organisms in the kingdom Animalia?

• A. Multicellularity and heterotrophy
• B. Unicellular nature
• C. Photosynthesis
• D. Cell walls made of chitin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Multicellularity and heterotrophy: This is the correct answer because all organisms in the kingdom Animalia are multicellular (composed of multiple cells) and exhibit heterotrophy (obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms). B) Unicellular nature: This is incorrect because organisms in the kingdom Animalia are multicellular, not unicellular. C) Photosynthesis: This is incorrect because organisms in the kingdom Animalia do not perform photosynthesis; they are heterotrophs that obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms. D) Cell walls made of chitin: This is incorrect because organisms in the kingdom Animalia do not have cell walls made of chitin. Chitin is a structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi, not animals.

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