Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, is involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels by inhibiting the release of insulin and promoting the release of glucose into the bloodstream?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Somatostatin. Somatostatin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by inhibiting the release of insulin and promoting the release of glucose into the bloodstream. It acts as a counterbalance to insulin, preventing excess insulin secretion and ensuring the availability of glucose when needed. Therefore, somatostatin helps maintain blood sugar balance in the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Insulin is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels, while glucagon and cortisol have roles that differ from the functions described in the question.

2. What is the rigid structure that provides shape and support to plant cells?

• A. Cell wall
• B. Plasma membrane
• C. Nucleus
• D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the cell wall, as it is the rigid structure that provides shape and support to plant cells. The cell wall is located outside the plasma membrane and is primarily composed of cellulose, giving it its rigid nature. The plasma membrane (option B) is a semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cell that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell. The nucleus (option C) houses the cell's genetic material and controls cellular activities. Cytoplasm (option D) is the gel-like substance within the cell that surrounds organelles and where various cellular processes take place, but it does not provide the rigid structure and support that the cell wall does.

3. What condition is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting?

• A. Muscular dystrophy
• B. Myositis
• C. Fibromyalgia
• D. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to mutations in genes responsible for muscle cells' structure and function. Myositis is an inflammatory muscle disease, fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition, and carpal tunnel syndrome affects the hand and arm nerves, but none present with the progressive muscle weakness and wasting seen in muscular dystrophy.

4. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

• A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
• B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
• C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
• D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

5. Which of the following terms describes stem cells that have the ability to develop into any cell found in the human body?

• A. Totipotent stem cells
• B. Multipotent stem cells
• C. Pluripotent stem cells
• D. Hematopoietic stem cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Totipotent stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into any cell type in the human body and can generate a complete organism. They are considered the most versatile type of stem cells, capable of developing into all cell types, including extraembryonic tissues. Choice A, Totipotent stem cells, is the correct answer as it specifically describes stem cells with the broadest differentiation potential. Choice B, Multipotent stem cells, refers to stem cells that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types. Choice C, Pluripotent stem cells, can give rise to almost all cell types, but not the complete organism like totipotent stem cells. Choice D, Hematopoietic stem cells, are a type of multipotent stem cells that give rise to various blood cell types, but do not have the same broad differentiation potential as totipotent stem cells.

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