Nursing Elites

1. What generates action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons?

• A. Glucose
• B. Sodium and potassium ions
• C. Neurotransmitters
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons, are generated by the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the neuronal membrane. This movement creates changes in the membrane potential, leading to the propagation of the electrical signal along the neuron. Glucose is a source of energy for neurons but is not directly involved in generating action potentials. Neurotransmitters are involved in communication between neurons but do not directly generate action potentials. Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates and speeds up the conduction of action potentials but does not generate them.

2. What does the phrase 'survival of the fittest' refer to?

• A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
• C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
• D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

3. Which element is used in insulin and promotes glucose uptake into cells for energy production?

• A. Zinc
• B. Chromium
• C. Manganese
• D. Iron

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chromium is the correct answer. Chromium is the element used in insulin that aids in its function by enhancing glucose uptake into cells and regulating blood sugar levels. It plays a crucial role in the body's energy production processes by facilitating the action of insulin. Zinc (Choice A), although important for various physiological functions, is not the element used in insulin. Manganese (Choice C) is necessary for enzyme activation but is not directly involved in insulin's function. Iron (Choice D) is essential for oxygen transport but is not the element used in insulin for promoting glucose uptake into cells.

4. What is the term for a solution that has exactly the same concentration of solute as another solution?

• A. Saturated solution
• B. Unsaturated solution
• C. Isotonic solution
• D. Concentrated solution

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An isotonic solution is a solution that has the same concentration of solute as another solution. When cells are placed in an isotonic solution, there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane, maintaining equilibrium. Choice A, a saturated solution, refers to a solution that contains the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved at a given temperature. Choice B, an unsaturated solution, is a solution that contains less solute than a saturated solution under the same conditions. Choice D, a concentrated solution, is a solution with a high amount of solute compared to the solvent.

5. What is meant by the term 'goiter'?

• A. Overproduction of cortisol from the adrenal glands
• B. Excessive growth of the thyroid gland
• C. Underproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• D. Deficiency of growth hormone from the pituitary gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A goiter is a condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. This enlargement can be caused by various factors such as iodine deficiency, thyroid nodules, inflammation, or other thyroid disorders. It is not associated with the overproduction of cortisol (Choice A), underproduction of parathyroid hormone (Choice C), or deficiency of growth hormone (Choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is B, excessive growth of the thyroid gland.

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