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. The resolution of an optical instrument, like a microscope, refers to its ability to distinguish between:

• A. Different colors of light
• B. The presence or absence of light
• C. Variations in intensity
• D. Very close, nearly identical objects

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The resolution of an optical instrument, such as a microscope, refers to its ability to distinguish between very close, nearly identical objects. This is crucial in microscopy to clearly visualize and differentiate fine details and structures. Resolving power plays a significant role in determining the quality and effectiveness of an optical instrument. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the resolution of an optical instrument does not primarily deal with different colors of light, presence or absence of light, or variations in intensity. Instead, it specifically focuses on the instrument's ability to differentiate between objects that are very close and nearly identical in nature.

3. Cartilage, found in joints and the ear, is a type of:

• A. Epithelial tissue
• B. Connective tissue
• C. Muscle tissue
• D. Nervous tissue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that provides support and flexibility to various parts of the body, such as joints and the ear. It is composed of cells called chondrocytes embedded in a matrix of collagen and proteoglycans. Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, muscle tissue is involved in movement, and nervous tissue transmits signals. The correct answer is connective tissue because cartilage serves a supportive function in the body.

4. What effect does a catalyst have on a chemical reaction?

• A. It speeds up the reaction.
• B. It slows down the reaction.
• C. It makes a reaction go in reverse.
• D. It prevents a reaction from taking place.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by providing an alternate pathway for the reaction to occur, lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed. As a result, more reactant molecules can overcome this energy barrier and participate in the reaction, leading to a faster overall reaction rate. This explanation contradicts choices B, C, and D as a catalyst does not slow down, reverse, or prevent a reaction; instead, it accelerates the reaction by facilitating a more efficient route for the reaction to take place. Therefore, the correct answer is that a catalyst speeds up the reaction.

5. What is the term for the reaction between an acid and a base to produce water and a salt?

• A. Combustion
• B. Neutralization
• C. Oxidation
• D. Decomposition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neutralization is the correct term for the reaction between an acid and a base to produce water and a salt. During neutralization, the hydrogen ions from the acid react with the hydroxide ions from the base to form water, and the remaining ions combine to form a salt. Combustion involves a reaction with oxygen, oxidation is the loss of electrons, and decomposition is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances. These processes do not accurately describe the reaction between an acid and a base to produce water and a salt.

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