Nursing Elites

1. Which blood component is chiefly responsible for clotting?

• A. Platelets
• B. Red blood cells
• C. Antigens
• D. Plasma cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelets. Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in clotting. When there is an injury, platelets adhere to the site and release chemicals that help form a clot to prevent excessive bleeding. Red blood cells transport oxygen, antigens are substances that trigger an immune response, and plasma cells are a type of white blood cell involved in producing antibodies, none of which are primarily responsible for clotting.

2. Which hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle?

• A. Cortisol
• B. Melatonin
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Melatonin. Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It helps signal to the body when it's time to sleep and wake up, playing a crucial role in maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. Choice A, Cortisol, is known as the stress hormone and plays a role in the body's response to stress, not specifically in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Choice C, Thyroxine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, not the sleep-wake cycle. Choice D, Insulin, is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels, not the sleep-wake cycle.

3. Which of the following is the main organ responsible for absorbing nutrients?

• A. Stomach
• B. Small intestine
• C. Large intestine
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the main organ responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. It is where the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals occurs. The inner lining of the small intestine is covered in tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. While the stomach plays a role in breaking down food into smaller particles, the actual absorption of nutrients primarily takes place in the small intestine. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, and the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones but is not primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients.

4. What is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)?

• A. Viruses
• B. Bacteria
• C. Fungi
• D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving treatment in a healthcare facility. Among the options provided, bacteria are the most common cause of HAIs. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are known to cause a wide range of infections in healthcare settings. While viruses, fungi, and parasites can also cause HAIs, bacteria are the most prevalent and significant pathogens responsible for these infections. Proper infection control measures, including hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship, are essential in preventing and controlling HAIs caused by bacteria.

5. Which neuromuscular system controls voluntary movement?

• A. Autonomic
• B. Somatic
• C. Sympathetic
• D. Parasympathetic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Somatic. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. It is responsible for carrying sensory and motor information to and from the central nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The autonomic nervous system (choice A) controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion. The sympathetic (choice C) and parasympathetic (choice D) nervous systems are subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system and are responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response and rest-and-digest functions, respectively.

Similar Questions