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 of the following is NOT a recognized mode of natural selection?

• A. Directional selection (favoring one extreme trait value on a spectrum)
• B. Disruptive selection (favoring both extreme trait values on a spectrum)
• C. Stabilizing selection (favoring the average trait value on a spectrum)
• D. Sexual selection (selection based on mate choice that influences reproductive success)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Directional selection is a recognized mode of natural selection where one extreme trait value on a spectrum is favored over others, leading to a shift in the average trait value over time. B) Disruptive selection is a recognized mode of natural selection where both extreme trait values on a spectrum are favored over the average trait value, potentially causing the population to split into distinct groups. C) Stabilizing selection is a recognized mode of natural selection favoring the average trait value on a spectrum over extreme values, resulting in reduced genetic diversity. D) Sexual selection differs from traditional natural selection modes as it involves mate choice and competition for mates, not direct selection pressure on traits affecting survival and reproduction in the environment. Sexual selection can drive the evolution of traits enhancing an individual's attractiveness for mating purposes.

3. What is the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands?

• A. Insulin
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands is parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body by increasing calcium levels in the blood through various mechanisms, such as promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels, calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland and helps lower blood calcium levels, and thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands.

4. Why is the simple columnar epithelium lining the small intestine crucial?

• A. Movement
• B. Support
• C. Absorption
• D. Insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The simple columnar epithelium lining the small intestine is crucial for absorption. This type of epithelium is specialized for absorption due to its tall and closely packed cells, which increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. The primary function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from digested food, and the simple columnar epithelium's structure aids in this process by providing a large surface area for absorption. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because movement, support, and insulation are not primary functions associated with the simple columnar epithelium in the small intestine. While these functions are essential in other tissues or organs, absorption is the key role of the simple columnar epithelium in the small intestine.

5. Which of the following sets of valves is primarily responsible for preventing blood flow from major blood vessels to the heart?

• A. atrioventricular valves
• B. semilunar valves
• C. tricuspid valves
• D. bicuspid valves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: semilunar valves. Semilunar valves are primarily responsible for preventing blood flow from major blood vessels to the heart. These valves are located at the base of the aorta and the pulmonary artery, ensuring blood flows in one direction only by closing when the ventricles relax to prevent blood from flowing back into the heart. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Atrioventricular valves (choice A) include the tricuspid and bicuspid valves, which prevent backflow between the atria and ventricles, not major blood vessels. Tricuspid valves (choice C) and bicuspid valves (choice D) are specific types of atrioventricular valves located between the atria and ventricles, not at the base of major blood vessels.

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