Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, acts in opposition to insulin by increasing blood sugar levels?

• A. Insulin
• B. Glucagon
• C. Cortisol
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is the correct answer. Produced by the pancreas, glucagon acts in opposition to insulin by increasing blood sugar levels. Glucagon promotes the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver, leading to the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Insulin, on the other hand, lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, not the pancreas, and is involved in stress response and metabolism. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism.

2. What is the name of the curved bone in the back that provides support and attachment for muscles?

• A. Sternum
• B. Scapula
• C. Clavicle
• D. Vertebral column

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is the curved bone in the back that provides support and attachment for muscles. It consists of individual vertebrae stacked on top of each other, forming a flexible and protective structure for the spinal cord. The sternum, scapula, and clavicle are bones in the chest and shoulder regions, not in the back where the vertebral column is located. Therefore, the correct answer is the vertebral column (Option D). Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they are bones situated in the chest and shoulder areas, not in the back where the vertebral column is found.

3. Which element is used in fertilizers due to its role in plant cell division and growth?

• A. Potassium
• B. Phosphorus
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phosphorus is the correct answer. It is used in fertilizers due to its essential role in plant cell division and growth. Phosphorus is a key component of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, which are essential for cell division and growth in plants. Potassium (Choice A) is important for overall plant health and functions like enzyme activation, but it is not specifically known for its role in cell division and growth. Calcium (Choice C) is crucial for cell wall structure and stability but not primarily for cell division. Magnesium (Choice D) is essential for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, but it is not directly linked to plant cell division and growth.

4. Why are negative feedback mechanisms crucial in the endocrine system?

• A. To increase hormone production continuously
• B. To maintain hormone levels within a specific range
• C. To cause a constant release of hormones
• D. To disrupt communication between glands

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Negative feedback mechanisms in the endocrine system play a vital role in maintaining hormone levels within a specific range. When hormone levels deviate from the set point, negative feedback signals prompt adjustments in hormone production to bring the levels back to the optimal range. This process ensures a delicate balance of hormones in the body, preventing excesses or deficiencies. Choice A is incorrect because continuously increasing hormone production would lead to imbalances. Choice C is incorrect as a constant release of hormones without regulation would disrupt homeostasis. Choice D is incorrect because disrupting communication between glands would hinder proper coordination and regulation of hormone levels, which is essential for the body's overall function.

5. Which component of the nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements, such as the contraction of skeletal muscles?

• A. Autonomic nervous system
• B. Peripheral nervous system
• C. Somatic nervous system
• D. Sympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Somatic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements, such as the contraction of skeletal muscles. This system consists of motor neurons that send signals from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles, allowing for conscious control over movement. The autonomic nervous system (A) controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, the peripheral nervous system (B) includes all nerves outside the central nervous system, and the sympathetic nervous system (D) is a division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically regulate voluntary movements of skeletal muscles, which is a function of the somatic nervous system.

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