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. What is the role of platelets in the blood?

• A. Transport oxygen
• B. Fight infection
• C. Produce antibodies
• D. Clot blood

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting by forming clots to help stop bleeding. While red blood cells transport oxygen, white blood cells fight infection, and immune cells produce antibodies, platelets specifically function to prevent excessive bleeding by forming clots. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they describe functions of other components of the blood, not platelets.

3. When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:

• A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
• B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
• C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
• D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

4. Based on the following evidence, what is the most likely reason that spoiled food left out in the open often contains fly larvae?

• A. The spoiled food evolves into fly larvae.
• B. Since the food is left out in the open, flies lay eggs in the food.
• C. Fly larvae are spontaneously generated by the spoiled food.
• D. People only imagine they see fly larvae in the spoiled food.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Flies laying eggs in the food when it is left exposed to the air is a common occurrence and a logical explanation for the presence of fly larvae in spoiled food. Choice A is incorrect as food cannot evolve into fly larvae; fly larvae come from eggs laid by flies. Choice C is incorrect as fly larvae do not spontaneously generate from spoiled food but rather develop from eggs laid by flies. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of fly larvae in spoiled food is a real phenomenon, not merely imagined by people.

5. What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?

• A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
• B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
• C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
• D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

Similar Questions