Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of the kidneys?

• A. To filter waste products from the blood
• B. To produce urine
• C. To regulate blood pressure
• D. To produce hormones that help control blood sugar levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste products, excess ions, and water from the bloodstream to form urine, which is then excreted from the body. This process helps maintain the body's internal environment by regulating the balance of electrolytes, fluid volume, and pH levels. While the kidneys do produce urine as a result of filtering the blood, their primary function is to filter waste products rather than solely producing urine. Although the kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by controlling blood volume and electrolyte concentration, their main function is waste filtration. While the kidneys do produce hormones like erythropoietin and renin that regulate physiological processes, such as red blood cell production and blood pressure, the main role of the kidneys is waste filtration.

2. Which gland located in the neck is responsible for regulating metabolism, growth, and development?

• A. Parathyroid gland
• B. Thyroid gland
• C. Pituitary gland
• D. Thymus gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. It produces hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that play a crucial role in these functions. The parathyroid gland regulates calcium levels, the pituitary gland controls various hormonal functions, and the thymus gland is involved in immune system development. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they have different functions compared to the thyroid gland.

3. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

4. What is a contraceptive method that uses hormones to prevent ovulation?

• A. Spermicide
• B. Barrier method (condom, diaphragm)
• C. Combined oral contraceptive pill
• D. Intrauterine device (IUD)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the Combined oral contraceptive pill (C). This method contains hormones (estrogen and progestin) that prevent ovulation, making it an effective contraceptive. Spermicide (A) is a substance that kills sperm and does not use hormones to prevent ovulation. Barrier methods (B) like condoms and diaphragms physically block sperm but do not involve hormone-induced prevention of ovulation. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) (D) prevent pregnancy through different mechanisms, such as altering the uterine environment and preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg, not by hormone-induced prevention of ovulation.

5. Which of the following is a constant?

• A. The number of protons in an oxygen atom
• B. The temperature at which iron ore will melt
• C. The human population size
• D. The time the sun rises each day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The number of protons in an oxygen atom is a constant. This value is determined by the atomic number of the element and does not change regardless of the isotope of oxygen. The number of protons defines the element and remains consistent under normal conditions. Choices B, C, and D are not constants. The temperature at which iron ore will melt can vary depending on factors like pressure, the human population size is constantly changing, and the time the sun rises each day varies with the seasons and location.

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