Nursing Elites

1. Which type of blood cell is primarily responsible for fighting infections?

• A. Red blood cells
• B. White blood cells
• C. Platelets
• D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, play a crucial role in the immune system by primarily combating infections. These cells can identify and destroy pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, helping the body defend against illnesses and maintain overall health. Red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport, platelets aid in blood clotting, and plasma carries various components throughout the circulatory system, but none of these functions involve fighting infections like white blood cells do.

2. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Cerebellum
• D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Medulla oblongata. This structure, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as a control center for autonomic functions necessary for maintaining life. The Cerebrum (Choice A) is mainly responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking and voluntary movements, not for regulating basic physiological processes like breathing and heart rate. The Cerebellum (Choice C) is involved in coordination, balance, and muscle control, but not in regulating breathing and heart rate. The Hypothalamus (Choice D) plays a role in regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but it is not primarily responsible for controlling breathing and heart rate.

3. How might vitamin D deficiency present?

• A. As bleeding gums
• B. As swollen extremities
• C. As red patches
• D. As crooked bones

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin D deficiency can present as crooked bones in children due to a condition called rickets. This is because vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can lead to soft and weak bones, resulting in skeletal deformities such as bow legs or knock knees. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as bleeding gums are more commonly associated with vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), swollen extremities could be a sign of various conditions like edema, and red patches are not typically a direct manifestation of vitamin D deficiency.

4. How many bones are found in the human skull?

• A. Approximately 5
• B. Approximately 30
• C. Approximately 60
• D. Approximately 210

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 30. The human skull is composed of 22 bones that are fused together. These 22 bones consist of 8 cranial bones and 14 facial bones, totaling approximately 30 bones in total. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the human skull does not have as few as 5 bones, as many as 60 bones, or as many as 210 bones. Understanding the basic anatomy of the skull helps in identifying the correct number of bones it comprises.

5. Which hormone is released by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?

• A. Insulin
• B. Glucagon
• C. Cortisol
• D. Somatostatin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin is the hormone released by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, helping to decrease blood glucose levels and store excess glucose for energy or future use. Glucagon, on the other hand, raises blood glucose levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Cortisol and somatostatin do not directly regulate blood glucose levels in the same manner as insulin and glucagon.

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