Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, is released in response to low blood sugar levels and stimulates the release of glucose into the bloodstream?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is the hormone produced by the pancreas that is released in response to low blood sugar levels. It acts to stimulate the release of glucose into the bloodstream by promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. Insulin, conversely, is released in response to high blood sugar levels and promotes the uptake of glucose by cells. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates metabolism and the immune response. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism but is not involved in responding to low blood sugar levels.

2. What do large intestines absorb?

• A. Water, sodium, and potassium ions
• B. Proteins and carbohydrates
• C. Water, vitamin K, and bile salts
• D. Vitamins A, D, E, K

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The large intestine absorbs water, vitamin K, bile salts, sodium, and chloride ions. It helps in maintaining the body's water and electrolyte balance, and also plays a role in absorbing certain vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin K. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins A, D, E, and K are primarily absorbed in the small intestine, not the large intestine.

3. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response, promoting relaxation and conservation of energy?

• A. Sympathetic nervous system
• B. Parasympathetic nervous system
• C. Somatic nervous system
• D. Central nervous system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response, promoting relaxation, conserving energy, and facilitating activities like digestion and lowering heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system, which is not the correct answer, triggers the 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and releasing adrenaline. The somatic nervous system (choice C) controls voluntary movements, not the autonomic functions related to 'rest and digest.' The central nervous system (choice D) includes the brain and spinal cord and is not specifically involved in the autonomic regulation of bodily functions like the 'rest and digest' response.

4. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating heart rate, breathing, and swallowing?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the medulla oblongata. This part of the brain, located at the base of the brainstem, is primarily responsible for regulating essential functions like heart rate, breathing, and swallowing. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The cerebrum is associated with higher brain functions such as thinking and voluntary movements, the cerebellum controls coordination and balance, and the thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information. Therefore, the medulla oblongata specifically governs the autonomic functions critical for survival.

5. Which organ of the body compensates when a person's intake of vitamins decreases?

• A. Appendix
• B. Liver
• C. Pancreas
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The liver is the organ that compensates when a person's intake of vitamins decreases. It stores certain vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, and releases them when dietary intake decreases. This helps maintain the body's vitamin levels and functions. The other organs listed - Appendix, Pancreas, and Stomach - do not primarily play a role in compensating for a decrease in vitamin intake. The liver is crucial in maintaining vitamin balance, making it the correct choice in this context.

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