Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following blood proteins can destroy pathogens?

• A. Complement system
• B. Fibrinogen
• C. Major histocompatibility complex
• D. Platelets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Complement system. The complement system is a vital component of the immune system responsible for destroying pathogens through various mechanisms like promoting inflammation, enhancing phagocytosis, and directly lysing pathogens. Fibrinogen is crucial for blood clotting, the major histocompatibility complex is involved in immune responses, and platelets aid in blood clotting and wound healing. However, none of these directly destroy pathogens as the complement system does.

2. What is the primary function of the stomach?

• A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
• B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
• C. To produce enzymes that assist in digesting food
• D. To eliminate waste products from the body

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the stomach is to store food, churn it, and break it down into smaller pieces through mechanical digestion. This process is facilitated by the mixing of food with gastric juices, including stomach acid. The mechanical breakdown in the stomach helps initiate the digestion of food before it progresses to the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption. Absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Enzymes that aid in digesting food are primarily produced in the pancreas and small intestine, not in the stomach. The elimination of waste products from the body mainly occurs through the large intestine and rectum, not the stomach.

3. 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.

4. According to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) ranking system, which functional group has the highest priority?

• A. Alcohol (OH)
• B. Aldehyde (CHO)
• C. Carboxylic Acid (COOH)
• D. Amine (NH2)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) ranking system, functional groups are prioritized based on the atomic number of the atoms directly attached to the functional group. Carboxylic acid (COOH) holds the highest priority as the carbon atom is directly bonded to two oxygen atoms, which have higher atomic numbers compared to carbon, hydrogen, or nitrogen. The higher the atomic number of the attached atoms, the higher the priority of the functional group in the CIP ranking system. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they have lower atomic numbers in the atoms directly attached to them, making them lower in priority according to the CIP system.

5. The 'fight-or-flight' response is triggered by the hormone released from the:

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Adrenal glands
• C. Pituitary gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The 'fight-or-flight' response is triggered by the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine from the adrenal glands. These hormones prepare the body to either confront or flee from a perceived threat or stressor. The adrenal glands are crucial in initiating this rapid physiological response. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism and energy levels, the pituitary gland controls other endocrine glands but does not directly trigger the 'fight-or-flight' response, and the pancreas is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon, not for triggering the 'fight-or-flight' response.

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