Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is the main organ responsible for producing enzymes?

• A. Liver
• B. Pancreas
• C. Stomach
• D. Small intestine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main organ responsible for producing enzymes is the pancreas. Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body. The pancreas produces and releases digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. While the liver also plays a role in producing bile, which helps in the digestion and absorption of fats, the primary organ responsible for producing enzymes is the pancreas. The stomach produces gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin to help break down food, but it is not the primary organ for enzyme production. The small intestine is where most nutrient digestion and absorption occur; however, it receives enzymes from organs like the pancreas rather than producing them itself.

2. What is the process by which a cell divides to produce two daughter cells?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Differentiation
• D. Transformation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer because it is the process of cell division that results in the production of two daughter cells with identical genetic material to the parent cell. Meiosis, while also involving cell division, leads to the formation of gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Differentiation is the specialization of cells for specific functions, not the process of cell division. Transformation involves a cell incorporating foreign DNA into its genome, which is unrelated to the division of a cell into two daughter cells.

3. Iron is a transition metal, which means it often forms a cation with a charge of what?

• A. 2- or 3-
• B. 1-
• C. 2+ or 3+
• D. 1+

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 2+ or 3+. Transition metals, like iron, are known for their ability to exhibit variable oxidation states. This characteristic allows them to form cations with charges such as 2+ or 3+. Specifically, iron can form cations with these charges due to the varying electron configurations in its d-orbitals. The other choices are incorrect because transition metals typically form positively charged cations, not negatively charged ones. Additionally, while iron can form cations with charges of 2+ or 3+, it does not commonly form cations with charges of 1- or 1+. Transition metal cations play a crucial role in forming coordination complexes with ligands, highlighting their importance in various chemical reactions.

4. What does half-life refer to?

• A. Radioactive intensity to completely disappear
• B. The number of neutrons in a nucleus to double
• C. The number of protons in a nucleus to change
• D. An isotope to decay by half of its initial quantity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. This means that after one half-life, half of the initial quantity of the radioactive substance will have decayed. Choice A is incorrect because radioactive intensity doesn't completely disappear during half-life. Choice B is incorrect as half-life doesn't refer to the number of neutrons doubling. Choice C is incorrect as half-life doesn't relate to the number of protons changing.

5. The adrenal cortex produces a group of steroid hormones called corticosteroids. What is a MAJOR function of corticosteroids?

• A. Regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels
• B. Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance
• C. Stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response
• D. Promote growth and development during puberty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corticosteroids, produced by the adrenal cortex, primarily function to control blood pressure and electrolyte balance. One of the key corticosteroids, aldosterone, plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. This regulation is essential for maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because corticosteroids do not primarily regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response, or promote growth and development during puberty. While corticosteroids can have effects on insulin sensitivity, immune response, and growth, their major role is in maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

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