Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following correctly identifies a difference between the primary and secondary immune response?

• A. In the secondary response, macrophages migrate to the lymph nodes to present the foreign microorganism to helper T lymphocytes.
• B. The humoral immunity that characterizes the primary response is coordinated by B lymphocytes.
• C. The primary response is quicker and more powerful than the secondary response.
• D. Suppressor T cells are activated in the secondary response to prevent an overactive immune response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The primary immune response is slower and less powerful compared to the secondary immune response. During the primary response, immune cells encounter the antigen for the first time, necessitating the activation and proliferation of specific immune cells. In contrast, the secondary response benefits from memory cells that quickly recognize the antigen, enabling a faster and more potent immune response. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While macrophages play a role in presenting antigens to T cells, this is not a defining difference between primary and secondary responses. Humoral immunity involves B lymphocytes in both primary and secondary responses, so it does not differentiate the two. Suppressor T cells primarily function to regulate the immune response but are not a key factor distinguishing primary from secondary responses.

2. Which blood component is responsible for the production of antibodies?

• A. Platelets
• B. Red blood cells
• C. White blood cells
• D. Plasma cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: White blood cells, specifically B lymphocytes or B cells, are responsible for producing antibodies as part of the immune response. When the body encounters foreign substances (antigens), B cells are activated to differentiate into plasma cells, which then produce antibodies to target and neutralize the antigens. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and not in antibody production. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood and do not produce antibodies. Plasma cells are actually differentiated B cells that produce antibodies, but the question asks for the blood component responsible for the production of antibodies, which is the white blood cells.

3. What are the moon-shaped white structures at the base of fingernails called?

• A. Lunulae
• B. Cuticle
• C. Hyponychium
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lunulae. The moon-shaped white structures at the base of fingernails are known as lunulae. They are most prominent on the thumb and are situated at the base of the nail matrix. The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix, which is responsible for generating new nail cells. Choice B, Cuticle, is incorrect as it refers to the thin layer of skin at the base of the nail plate. Choice C, Hyponychium, is incorrect as it is the skin that lies beneath the free edge of the nail. Choice D, Matrix, is incorrect as it is the area where the nail is formed, located under the cuticle.

4. What is a submicroscopic entity that is considered nonliving because it lacks cellular structure and consists of nucleic acids encapsulated in a protein coat called a capsid?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Fungus
• C. Virus
• D. Protozoa

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Virus. Viruses are not considered living organisms because they lack cellular structure. Instead, they are composed of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid. Bacteria (choice A), fungus (choice B), and protozoa (choice D) are all living organisms with cellular structures, unlike viruses. Therefore, they are incorrect choices for this question.

5. Which of the following properties is NOT characteristic of a covalent bond?

• A. Sharing of electrons between atoms
• B. High melting and boiling points
• C. Low electrical conductivity in solid state
• D. Directional bonding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms, leading to the formation of molecules with directional bonding. This means that the atoms are held together in a specific orientation. Covalent compounds generally exhibit low melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds due to the weaker intermolecular forces present in covalent compounds. Furthermore, covalent compounds do not conduct electricity in the solid state because the electrons are localized between the atoms and are not free to move and carry charge. Hence, high melting and boiling points are not characteristic of covalent bonds. The correct answer is 'B' because high melting and boiling points are typically associated with ionic compounds due to their strong electrostatic interactions, while covalent compounds have lower melting and boiling points. Choices A, C, and D are all characteristics of covalent bonds, making them incorrect answers for this question.

Similar Questions