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. Which of the following is a strong acid?

• A. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
• B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
• C. Citric acid
• D. Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid because it completely ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions, leading to a high concentration of H⁺ ions in solution. This characteristic makes it a strong acid. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), citric acid, and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) are weak acids as they only partially ionize in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H⁺ ions compared to strong acids. Therefore, hydrochloric acid is the correct choice as a strong acid.

3. What effect does a catalyst have on a chemical reaction?

• A. It speeds up the reaction.
• B. It slows down the reaction.
• C. It makes a reaction go in reverse.
• D. It prevents a reaction from taking place.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by providing an alternate pathway for the reaction to occur, lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed. As a result, more reactant molecules can overcome this energy barrier and participate in the reaction, leading to a faster overall reaction rate. This explanation contradicts choices B, C, and D as a catalyst does not slow down, reverse, or prevent a reaction; instead, it accelerates the reaction by facilitating a more efficient route for the reaction to take place. Therefore, the correct answer is that a catalyst speeds up the reaction.

4. What type of vessel carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other tissues of the body?

• A. Veins
• B. Intestines
• C. Bronchioles
• D. Arteries

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to supply oxygen to the tissues and organs throughout the body. Veins, choice A, carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart, not oxygen-rich blood. Intestines, choice B, are part of the digestive system and do not play a role in carrying blood. Bronchioles, choice C, are small air passages in the lungs responsible for carrying air, not blood.

5. What is the difference between a phylum and a class?

• A. Phylums are broader and more general
• B. Classes are broader and more general
• C. They are synonyms, used for the same groups
• D. Phylums are for plants, classes are for animals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In biological classification, a phylum is a higher taxonomic rank than a class. A phylum is a broader category that encompasses multiple classes within it. It represents a group of organisms sharing a common body plan or evolutionary history. On the other hand, a class is a more specific category within a phylum that includes organisms with similar characteristics. Therefore, phyla are broader and more general compared to classes. Choice B is incorrect because classes are more specific categories within phyla. Choice C is incorrect as phyla and classes are distinct hierarchical levels in taxonomy. Choice D is incorrect because phyla and classes are not restricted to specific types of organisms; they can apply to various organisms across the biological kingdom.

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