Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a dense, interconnected mass of nerve cells located outside the central nervous system?

• A. ganglion
• B. dendrite
• C. cranial nerve
• D. pons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A ganglion is a dense, interconnected mass of nerve cells located outside the central nervous system. Ganglia serve as relay points where nerve cells communicate and integrate signals. They are found along peripheral nerves, processing sensory information and coordinating motor responses. Choice B, dendrite, refers to a part of a neuron that receives signals, not a mass of nerve cells. Choice C, cranial nerve, is a bundle of nerves that emerge from the brain, not a mass of nerve cells. Choice D, pons, is a part of the brainstem, which is within the central nervous system, not located outside of it.

2. Which hormone stimulates the release of calcium from bones and increases blood calcium levels?

• A. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Growth hormone
• D. Testosterone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the correct answer. PTH stimulates the release of calcium from bones, leading to increased blood calcium levels. It acts on the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream, facilitates the kidneys' reabsorption of calcium, and triggers vitamin D activation to boost calcium absorption from the intestines. Choice B, Calcitonin, is incorrect as it works in opposition to PTH by decreasing blood calcium levels through inhibiting calcium release from bones. Choices C and D, Growth hormone and Testosterone, are not directly involved in calcium homeostasis and do not regulate blood calcium levels through bone calcium release mechanisms.

3. Identify the function NOT attributed to the lymphatic system.

• A. Fluid drainage from tissues
• B. Immune response via white blood cell production
• C. Nutrient transport throughout the body
• D. Waste removal through lymph nodes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Fluid drainage from tissues: This function is attributed to the lymphatic system. Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid from tissues and return it to the bloodstream. B) Immune response via white blood cell production: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body's immune response by producing and transporting white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, which help fight infections. C) Nutrient transport throughout the body: Nutrient transport is primarily carried out by the circulatory system (blood vessels), not the lymphatic system. The circulatory system transports nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to cells and removes waste products. D) Waste removal through lymph nodes: The lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the body by filtering lymph through lymph nodes, where harmful substances are trapped and destroyed by immune cells. Therefore, the function NOT attributed to the lymphatic system is C) Nutrient transport throughout the body.

4. What condition is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting?

• A. Muscular dystrophy
• B. Myositis
• C. Fibromyalgia
• D. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to mutations in genes responsible for muscle cells' structure and function. Myositis is an inflammatory muscle disease, fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition, and carpal tunnel syndrome affects the hand and arm nerves, but none present with the progressive muscle weakness and wasting seen in muscular dystrophy.

5. What is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy called?

• A. Nuclear fusion
• B. Nuclear fission
• C. Radioactive decay
• D. Chain reaction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy. This process is commonly used in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons. It is a controlled chain reaction that generates energy. Option A, Nuclear fusion, is the process of combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy. This process powers the sun and other stars. Option C, Radioactive decay, is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. Option D, Chain reaction, is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction event stimulate further reaction events. While chain reactions can occur in both nuclear fission and fusion, the specific process of splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller ones is known as nuclear fission.

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