Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which of the following cations is found at the center of a heme?

• A. Cr (III)
• B. Cu (II)
• C. Iron (II)
• D. Iron (III)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Iron (II) (Fe2+), which is the cation found at the center of a heme group. Heme contains an iron (II) ion that is coordinated within the porphyrin ring structure. This iron ion is crucial for the function of heme in binding and transporting oxygen in hemoglobin and myoglobin. Choice A (Cr (III)) is incorrect as chromium is not typically found at the center of a heme group. Choice B (Cu (II)) is incorrect as copper is not the cation typically present in heme. Choice D (Iron (III)) is also incorrect as heme predominantly contains iron (II) at its center, not iron (III).

3. What is the product of the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH)?

• A. NaCl + H2O
• B. NaOH + HCl
• C. Na2Cl + H2O
• D. NaClO3 + H2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it forms sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O) according to the following chemical equation: HCl + NaOH -> NaCl + H2O. Therefore, the correct answer is NaCl + H2O (Choice A). This reaction is a classic acid-base neutralization reaction where the acid (HCl) reacts with the base (NaOH) to form a salt (NaCl) and water (H2O). Choice B (NaOH + HCl) is incorrect because the order of the reactants matters in a chemical reaction, and in this case, HCl is the acid reacting with NaOH. Choices C (Na2Cl + H2O) and D (NaClO3 + H2) are incorrect because they do not represent the products of the reaction between HCl and NaOH as per the balanced chemical equation.

4. In the 18th century, women were more likely to die in childbirth compared to the 21st century. What is a possible explanation for why women are less likely to die in childbirth in the present age?

• A. Doctors are better equipped to perform cesarean sections.
• B. Doctors have more tools to monitor mothers during childbirth, enabling earlier detection of complications.
• C. Doctors practice good hand hygiene to prevent the transfer of germs and infections.
• D. All of the statements above provide reasonable explanations for the decrease in mortality during childbirth.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All options are valid explanations for the decrease in maternal mortality during childbirth in modern times. Improved medical knowledge and technology have enabled doctors to perform cesarean sections more effectively, monitor mothers more closely for early detection of complications, and maintain better hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infections. Therefore, all the given statements collectively contribute to the reduction in maternal mortality rates in the 21st century.

5. How do efferent fibers exit the spinal cord?

• A. Through the anterior aspect
• B. Through the dorsal aspect
• C. Through the ventral aspect
• D. Through the lateral aspect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Efferent fibers, which carry motor commands, exit the spinal cord through the ventral aspect, also known as the anterior aspect. The correct answer is C, 'Through the ventral aspect.' Efferent fibers exiting through the ventral aspect are responsible for carrying motor commands from the spinal cord to the muscles and glands. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Efferent fibers do not exit through the dorsal, lateral, or anterior aspects of the spinal cord.

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