Nursing Elites

1. Which gland produces melatonin?

• A. Pineal gland
• B. Thyroid gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pituitary gland

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pineal gland. This gland is responsible for producing melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is influenced by exposure to light, with levels typically rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling in the morning to aid wakefulness. The Thyroid gland (choice B) produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the Adrenal gland (choice C) produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and the Pituitary gland (choice D) controls several other glands in the endocrine system.

2. Which bone does not articulate with any other bone?

• A. Femur
• B. Hyoid
• C. Radius
• D. Tibia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hyoid bone. The hyoid bone is distinctive as it does not directly articulate with any other bone in the body. Instead, it is held in place by muscles and ligaments, playing a crucial role in supporting the tongue and providing attachment points for various muscles involved in swallowing and speech. The other choices, Femur, Radius, and Tibia, all articulate with other bones in the body. The femur articulates with the hip bone, the radius articulates with the ulna and other bones in the wrist, and the tibia articulates with the femur and fibula.

3. What is the role of the large intestine in the digestive system?

• A. Absorbing nutrients
• B. Absorbing water and forming solid waste
• C. Breaking down fats
• D. Secreting digestive enzymes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absorbing water and forming solid waste. The large intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing water from the remaining indigestible food matter and forming solid waste (feces) to be excreted from the body. This process helps in maintaining the body's fluid balance and eliminating waste efficiently. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the large intestine is not primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients, breaking down fats, or secreting digestive enzymes. These functions are mainly carried out in the small intestine.

4. Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?

• A. Cerebellum
• B. Cerebrum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Brainstem

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. Located at the back of the brain, the cerebellum plays a crucial role in controlling balance, coordination, and fine motor movements. It receives information from the sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to coordinate voluntary movements and maintain posture. Damage to the cerebellum can result in issues with balance, coordination, and muscle tone. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and problem-solving, the medulla oblongata controls vital autonomic functions like breathing and heartbeat, and the brainstem serves as a pathway for neural fibers traveling to and from the brain.

5. What condition might result from a lack of vitamin C?

• A. Kwashiorkor
• B. Pellagra
• C. Rickets
• D. Scurvy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Scurvy is the correct answer. Scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency leads to symptoms such as weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, fatigue, and easy bruising. If left untreated, scurvy can lead to more severe complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition due to insufficient protein intake, pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), and rickets results from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

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