Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys?

• A. Calcitonin
• B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It works by decreasing blood calcium levels through two main mechanisms: promoting calcium uptake by bones and decreasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), on the other hand, increases blood calcium levels by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Thyroxine, another thyroid hormone, primarily regulates metabolism and has no direct influence on calcium levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and is not related to calcium homeostasis.

2. 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.

3. The adrenal glands are part of the

• A. immune system
• B. endocrine system
• C. lymphatic system
• D. respiratory system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: endocrine system. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. These small, triangular-shaped glands are located on top of each kidney and are responsible for producing hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and aldosterone. These hormones play a vital role in regulating various body functions, including metabolism, immune response, and stress response. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the adrenal glands are not part of the immune system, lymphatic system, or respiratory system. While the immune system is involved in protecting the body from infections and diseases, the lymphatic system helps in maintaining fluid balance and immune function, and the respiratory system is responsible for breathing and gas exchange in the body.

4. Which of the following phases of mitosis is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids and their movement to opposite poles?

• A. Metaphase
• B. Anaphase
• C. Telophase
• D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During anaphase of mitosis, the sister chromatids, which are duplicated copies of a chromosome, separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. This movement is facilitated by the shortening of microtubules attached to the chromatids. As a result, each pole of the cell receives a complete set of chromosomes, ensuring that the daughter cells produced after cell division will have the correct number of chromosomes. Metaphase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes at the cell's equator, not their separation. Telophase is the phase following anaphase, where the separated chromatids reach the opposite poles and nuclear envelopes start to form around them. Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division, where the cytoplasm is divided to form two separate daughter cells.

5. What is the name of the white blood cells that attack foreign invaders?

• A. Phagocytes
• B. Lymphocytes
• C. Platelets
• D. Red blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system by engulfing and digesting foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. They are part of the body's innate immune response and are essential for protecting the body against infections. Lymphocytes, on the other hand, are another type of white blood cell involved in the adaptive immune response, producing antibodies, and coordinating immune responses. Platelets are cell fragments involved in blood clotting, while red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues. Therefore, the correct answer is Phagocytes (Choice A) because they are specifically tasked with attacking and destroying foreign invaders in the body, distinguishing them from the other choices which have different functions within the immune system.

Similar Questions