Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is essential for regulating electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, specifically by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Its primary function involves acting on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water while promoting the excretion of potassium. This process is essential for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Epinephrine is associated with the fight or flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone, and insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the correct answer is Aldosterone as it directly targets electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body.

2. What is the main function of valence electrons in chemical bonding?

• A. They are responsible for holding the nucleus together.
• B. They are involved in forming bonds with other atoms.
• C. They determine the element's physical properties.
• D. They play no role in chemical reactions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom. These electrons are involved in forming bonds with other atoms, which is crucial for chemical bonding. By participating in bonding, valence electrons determine an atom's ability to form compounds and engage in chemical reactions. Therefore, the primary function of valence electrons is to facilitate the formation of bonds between atoms, making option B the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because valence electrons primarily influence chemical bonding by participating in the formation of bonds between atoms, rather than holding the nucleus together, determining physical properties, or having no role in chemical reactions.

3. Which of the following is a cluster of capillaries that functions as the main filter of the blood entering the kidney?

• A. The Bowman's capsule
• B. The Loop of Henle
• C. The glomerulus
• D. The nephron

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the glomerulus. The glomerulus is a cluster of capillaries in the kidney responsible for filtering blood as it enters the nephron. It plays a crucial role in the initial stages of urine formation by filtering waste products and excess substances from the blood. Choice A, the Bowman's capsule, is incorrect as it surrounds the glomerulus and captures the filtrate. Choice B, the Loop of Henle, is incorrect as it is part of the nephron responsible for water reabsorption. Choice D, the nephron, is incorrect as it comprises the functional unit of the kidney and includes the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, and other structures.

4. Where does most of the chemical digestion take place?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Most of the chemical digestion occurs in the small intestine. Enzymes in the small intestine break down nutrients into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. The stomach plays a role in digestion by breaking down food mechanically and initiating some chemical digestion, but the majority of nutrient breakdown and absorption happens in the small intestine. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and salts, with little to no digestion taking place there. The esophagus is a muscular tube that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach and does not participate in digestion.

5. What is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading?

• A. Diastolic pressure
• B. Systolic pressure
• C. Pulse rate
• D. Mean arterial pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diastolic pressure. The bottom number in a blood pressure reading represents the diastolic pressure, which indicates the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. This value is important in understanding the overall health of the cardiovascular system. Choice B, Systolic pressure, is the top number in a blood pressure reading and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting. Choice C, Pulse rate, refers to the number of times the heart beats in a minute. Choice D, Mean arterial pressure, is a calculated value using both systolic and diastolic pressures to provide an average pressure in the arteries during a cardiac cycle, but it is not the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

Similar Questions