Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels?

• A. Glucagon
• B. Insulin
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Cortisol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Insulin is the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar levels. It is produced by the pancreas and facilitates the entry of glucose into cells, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. Glucagon, adrenaline, and cortisol have roles in increasing blood sugar levels through various mechanisms. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose, adrenaline increases blood sugar in fight-or-flight responses, and cortisol raises blood sugar levels as part of the stress response. Therefore, in the context of lowering blood sugar levels, insulin is the correct answer.

2. Which level of protein structure is defined by the folds and coils of the protein's polypeptide backbone?

• A. Primary
• B. Secondary
• C. Tertiary
• D. Quaternary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Secondary. The secondary structure of a protein is defined by the folds and coils of the protein's polypeptide backbone. This level of structure is characterized by the formation of alpha helices and beta sheets, which are stabilized by hydrogen bonds between amino acids along the polypeptide chain. Choice A, Primary, refers to the linear sequence of amino acids in the protein. Choice C, Tertiary, involves the 3D folding of the entire polypeptide chain. Choice D, Quaternary, pertains to the arrangement of multiple polypeptide subunits in a protein complex.

3. What is the difference between the atomic number and the mass number of an atom?

• A. The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• B. The atomic number is the number of electrons in an atom, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• C. The atomic number is the number of neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and electrons in an atom.
• D. The atomic number is the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of electrons in an atom.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The atomic number of an atom represents the number of protons in its nucleus, which defines the element's identity. On the other hand, the mass number corresponds to the total sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the key distinction between the atomic number and the mass number lies in the fact that the atomic number specifically counts the protons, whereas the mass number encompasses both protons and neutrons. Choice B is incorrect because the atomic number is not related to the number of electrons but rather to the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because the atomic number is not the number of neutrons but the number of protons. Choice D is incorrect because the atomic number does not include neutrons; it is solely the number of protons.

4. What is the primary function of the heart?

• A. Filtering blood
• B. Exchanging gases
• C. Pumping blood throughout the body
• D. Producing hormones

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body. The heart acts as a muscular pump that circulates blood, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and removing waste products. Option A is incorrect because blood filtration is a function of the kidneys, not the heart. Option B is incorrect as gas exchange occurs in the lungs, not the heart. Option D is also incorrect as hormone production is mainly carried out by endocrine glands, not the heart.

5. Which types of molecules can move through a cell membrane by passive transport?

• A. Complex sugars
• B. Non-lipid soluble molecules
• C. Oxygen
• D. Molecules moving from areas of low concentration to areas of high concentration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oxygen. Small, non-polar molecules like oxygen can easily pass through the cell membrane by passive transport as they move down their concentration gradient without the need for energy input. Complex sugars (choice A) are typically too large to pass through the membrane by passive transport. Non-lipid soluble molecules (choice B) may require active transport mechanisms. Choice D describes active transport, where molecules move against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input.

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