Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response. It increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy stores to provide the body with the necessary resources to respond to a perceived threat or stressor. Cortisol, although produced by the adrenal glands, is not responsible for the 'fight or flight' response; it is involved in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Aldosterone, another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, primarily regulates electrolyte and fluid balance. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

2. Which of the following structures acts like a funnel by delivering urine from the millions of collecting tubules to the ureters?

• A. The renal pelvis
• B. The renal cortex
• C. The renal medulla
• D. Bowman's capsule

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The renal pelvis. The renal pelvis serves as a reservoir for urine collected from the kidney's numerous collecting tubules, funneling it into the ureters for transport to the bladder. The renal cortex is the outer region of the kidney involved in filtration, while the renal medulla is the inner region responsible for concentrating urine. Bowman's capsule is part of the nephron and is involved in the initial filtration of blood in the kidney, not in funneling urine to the ureters.

3. Which statement is true regarding the process of digestion?

• A. Digestion of starch begins in the mouth.
• B. Amylase is produced by the stomach to help break down food in the upper intestine.
• C. The di- and tri-saccharides produced in early digestion are absorbed through the intestinal wall.
• D. Proteases are responsible for breaking down starches.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement 'Digestion of starch begins in the mouth' is correct. Salivary amylase, an enzyme produced in the salivary glands, initiates the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars like maltose in the mouth before further digestion in the stomach. This initial breakdown of starch is crucial in the digestion of carbohydrates, marking the beginning of the digestive process. Choice B is incorrect because amylase is produced in the salivary glands, not the stomach. Choice C is incorrect because di- and tri-saccharides are further broken down into monosaccharides before absorption. Choice D is incorrect because proteases are enzymes that break down proteins, not starches.

4. What is the term for the balanced equation that represents a chemical reaction?

• A. Hypothesis
• B. Chemical formula
• C. Balanced equation
• D. Reaction mechanism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - 'Balanced equation'. A balanced equation is a representation of a chemical reaction that shows the reactants, products, and their stoichiometric coefficients. It ensures that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation, following the law of conservation of mass. Choice A, 'Hypothesis', is incorrect as it refers to a proposed explanation based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. Choice B, 'Chemical formula', is incorrect as it represents the composition of a compound using symbols and subscripts. Choice D, 'Reaction mechanism', is incorrect as it describes the step-by-step process by which a chemical reaction occurs, not just the overall representation of the reaction itself.

5. What is the major difference between somatic and germline mutations?

• A. Somatic mutations usually benefit the individual while germline mutations usually harm them.
• B. Since germline mutations only affect one cell, they are less noticeable than the rapidly dividing somatic cells.
• C. Somatic mutations are not expressed for several generations, but germline mutations are expressed immediately.
• D. Germline mutations are usually inherited while somatic mutations will affect only the individual.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major difference between somatic and germline mutations is that germline mutations are usually inherited and can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells and only affect the individual in which they occur. This means that germline mutations have the potential to be present in future generations, while somatic mutations do not.

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