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. Dendrites are finger-like extensions found on

• A. Muscle cells
• B. Connective tissue cells
• C. Neurons
• D. Epithelial cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dendrites are the branched extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons and transmit those signals to the cell body. They play a crucial role in the communication process within the nervous system, allowing neurons to communicate with each other and integrate incoming signals to generate responses. The other choices are incorrect because dendrites specifically belong to neurons, not muscle cells, connective tissue cells, or epithelial cells.

3. What function do hydrophobic proteins often provide in the body?

• A. Digestive enzymes
• B. Provide structure
• C. Carry oxygen molecules
• D. Store energy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydrophobic proteins are known for their ability to repel water and are often involved in providing structural support in cells and tissues. They help maintain the structural integrity and shape of cell membranes, organelles, and other cellular components. Choice A, digestive enzymes, typically consist of hydrophilic proteins that interact with water and substrates to facilitate digestion. Choice C, carrying oxygen molecules, is a function commonly associated with specific proteins like hemoglobin. Choice D, storing energy, is usually performed by proteins like enzymes involved in energy storage and release, such as glycogen phosphorylase.

4. What is the main function of the small intestine?

• A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
• B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
• C. To produce enzymes that help digest food
• D. To eliminate waste products from the body

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is a crucial part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream. This absorption primarily occurs through the villi lining the small intestine, which increases the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed into the bloodstream to support various bodily functions such as energy production, growth, and repair. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately depict the primary function of the small intestine, which is nutrient absorption.

5. Which of the following choices would contain the code for making a protein?

• A. mRNA
• B. tRNA
• C. rRNA
• D. DNA polymerase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: mRNA (messenger RNA). mRNA contains the genetic code or instructions for making a protein. During protein synthesis, mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA corresponds to the sequence of amino acids that will be used to build the protein. Choice B, tRNA (transfer RNA), is involved in carrying amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but does not contain the code for making a protein. Choice C, rRNA (ribosomal RNA), is a component of ribosomes where protein synthesis occurs but does not contain the specific code for making a protein. Choice D, DNA polymerase, is an enzyme involved in DNA replication, not in directly coding for protein synthesis.

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