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. Chromatids divide into identical chromosomes and migrate to opposite ends of the cell in which of the following phases of mitosis?

• A. metaphase
• B. anaphase
• C. prophase
• D. telophase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During anaphase of mitosis, the sister chromatids detach from each other and migrate to opposite poles of the cell. This process ensures that each daughter cell ultimately receives an identical set of chromosomes, as the chromatids separate and become individual chromosomes again. This is a crucial step in ensuring accurate distribution of genetic material during cell division. In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equator but do not separate yet. Prophase is the phase where chromatin condenses into chromosomes and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Telophase is the final phase where the nuclear envelope reforms around the separated chromosomes.

3. Which of the following bones is part of the axial skeleton?

• A. Femur
• B. Humerus
• C. Skull
• D. Pelvis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Skull. The axial skeleton consists of bones along the body's central axis, including the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the femur, humerus, and pelvis are part of the appendicular skeleton, which comprises the bones of the limbs and girdles.

4. What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?

• A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
• B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
• C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
• D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

5. What is the medical term for heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid?

• A. Dysphagia
• B. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• C. Peptic ulcer
• D. Ulcerative colitis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing and is not specifically related to heartburn. B) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the medical term for heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. C) Peptic ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, and it can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, not specifically heartburn. D) Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum, and it does not typically cause heartburn.

Similar Questions