Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following describes the general function of cytokines in the immune system?

• A. They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.
• B. They inhibit blood clotting during inflammation responses.
• C. They bind to specific pathogens to increase pathogen mass.
• D. They transport pathogens trapped in mucus to be destroyed in the stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.' Cytokines are signaling molecules that act as messengers between cells in the immune system, playing a vital role in coordinating and regulating immune responses. They communicate with various immune cells to initiate appropriate responses against pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because cytokines do not inhibit blood clotting but rather regulate immune responses. Choice C is incorrect as cytokines do not bind to specific pathogens to increase their mass; instead, they regulate the immune response. Choice D is also incorrect because cytokines do not transport pathogens trapped in mucus to the stomach for destruction; they primarily function as signaling molecules within the immune system.

2. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons, preventing them from becoming overexcited?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. GABA
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, thus preventing overexcitation. Acetylcholine (choice A) is involved in muscle control and cognitive function, but it is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity. Dopamine (choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control, rather than inhibiting neuronal firing. Serotonin (choice D) is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite but does not primarily slow down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

3. Which type of tissue connects muscles to bones?

• A. Ligaments
• B. Tendons
• C. Cartilage
• D. Muscles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tendons. Tendons connect muscles to bones, not bones to muscles. They play a crucial role in transmitting the force generated by muscles to move bones, enabling movement. Ligaments (choice A) connect bones to bones, providing stability to joints. Cartilage (choice C) is a connective tissue found in joints, providing cushioning and flexibility. Muscles (choice D) are responsible for generating force through contraction but do not directly connect muscles to bones.

4. What is the breakdown product of creatine phosphate, an energy source used for short bursts of muscle activity?

• A. Glucose
• B. Lactic acid
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Creatine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Creatine phosphate is utilized as an immediate energy source for short bursts of muscle activity. When it breaks down, it yields lactic acid as a byproduct. Lactic acid accumulation during intense exercise can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness. Therefore, the correct answer is lactic acid. The other choices are incorrect: Glucose is a different energy source derived from carbohydrates; Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular respiration, not specifically from creatine phosphate breakdown; Creatine is the precursor compound to creatine phosphate and is not the breakdown product.

5. According to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) ranking system, which functional group has the highest priority?

• A. Alcohol (OH)
• B. Aldehyde (CHO)
• C. Carboxylic Acid (COOH)
• D. Amine (NH2)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) ranking system, functional groups are prioritized based on the atomic number of the atoms directly attached to the functional group. Carboxylic acid (COOH) holds the highest priority as the carbon atom is directly bonded to two oxygen atoms, which have higher atomic numbers compared to carbon, hydrogen, or nitrogen. The higher the atomic number of the attached atoms, the higher the priority of the functional group in the CIP ranking system. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they have lower atomic numbers in the atoms directly attached to them, making them lower in priority according to the CIP system.

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