Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which of the following is NOT an example of a homeostatic mechanism?

• A. Shivering when the body temperature falls.
• B. Increasing heart rate when blood pressure is low.
• C. Weight gain when consuming excess calories.
• D. Secreting insulin to decrease blood sugar concentration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain when consuming excess calories is not an example of a homeostatic mechanism. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The other options listed (A, B, and D) involve physiological responses aimed at restoring balance or stability within the body (e.g., regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels). Shivering, increasing heart rate, and secreting insulin are mechanisms to counteract specific imbalances and maintain internal equilibrium. In contrast, weight gain due to excess calorie intake does not represent a specific regulatory mechanism but rather an outcome of energy imbalance. The body stores excess energy as fat rather than actively regulating a physiological parameter to restore balance.

3. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is essential for regulating electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body?

• A. Aldosterone
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Cortisol
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, specifically by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Its primary function involves acting on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water while promoting the excretion of potassium. This process is essential for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Epinephrine is associated with the fight or flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone, and insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the correct answer is Aldosterone as it directly targets electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body.

4. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of asthma, a chronic respiratory condition?

• A. Wheezing
• B. Difficulty breathing
• C. Chest tightness
• D. Fever

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fever.' Fever is not a symptom commonly associated with asthma. Asthma symptoms typically include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Fever is more commonly seen in conditions such as infections or inflammatory diseases rather than asthma. Choices A, B, and C are common symptoms of asthma and are related to the constriction and inflammation of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties and chest discomfort.

5. Which of the following is a strong acid?

• A. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
• B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
• C. Citric acid
• D. Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid because it completely ionizes in water to produce hydrogen ions, leading to a high concentration of H⁺ ions in solution. This characteristic makes it a strong acid. Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), citric acid, and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) are weak acids as they only partially ionize in water, resulting in a lower concentration of H⁺ ions compared to strong acids. Therefore, hydrochloric acid is the correct choice as a strong acid.

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