Nursing Elites

1. The adaptive immune system has two main branches: humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Which type of immune cell is primarily responsible for antibody production?

• A. Helper T cells
• B. Cytotoxic T cells
• C. B cells
• D. Natural killer cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: B cells are primarily responsible for antibody production in the adaptive immune system. When activated, B cells differentiate into plasma cells, which are specialized to produce antibodies. Helper T cells play a crucial role in activating B cells, but they do not directly produce antibodies. Cytotoxic T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity by killing infected cells, while natural killer cells are part of the innate immune system and target virus-infected and cancerous cells. Therefore, the correct answer is C (B cells) as they are directly involved in the production of antibodies, essential for humoral immunity.

2. A pediatrician notes that an infant's cartilage is disappearing and being replaced by bone. What process has the doctor observed?

• A. Mineralization
• B. Ossification
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Calcification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The doctor has observed the process of ossification. Ossification is the natural process where cartilage in the body is replaced by bone. This process takes place during fetal development, growth, and bone fracture healing. Ossification involves the formation of bone tissue by depositing minerals like calcium and phosphorus within the cartilage matrix, leading to the development of a bone structure. Choice A, mineralization, refers to the process of forming mineral deposits in tissues, but it does not involve the replacement of cartilage by bone. Choice C, osteoporosis, is a condition characterized by bone density loss and increased fragility, not the natural process of cartilage replacement by bone. Choice D, calcification, is the process of deposition of calcium salts in various tissues, but it does not specifically involve the replacement of cartilage by bone as in ossification.

3. Which structure, located between the pons and the spinal cord, plays a crucial role in coordinating movements, maintaining balance, and posture?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. The cerebellum, located between the pons and the spinal cord, is responsible for coordinating movements, maintaining balance, and posture. The thalamus functions in relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, the medulla oblongata controls vital autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate, and the hypothalamus regulates various bodily functions like temperature and hunger. Therefore, the cerebellum is the structure that specifically handles coordination, balance, and posture.

4. What is the process by which genetic information is used to produce proteins?

• A. Replication
• B. Transcription
• C. Translation
• D. Mutation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Replication is the process by which DNA is copied to produce an identical strand of DNA. This process occurs during cell division to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information. B) Transcription is the process by which genetic information from DNA is copied into a complementary RNA molecule. This RNA molecule, known as messenger RNA (mRNA), serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation. C) Translation is the process by which the genetic information carried by mRNA is decoded to produce a specific sequence of amino acids, which are then assembled into a protein. This process occurs at the ribosomes in the cytoplasm of the cell. D) Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence that can result in alterations to the genetic information. Mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced by external factors such as radiation or chemicals. While mutations can impact protein synthesis, they are not the process by which genetic inf

5. How do killer T cells recognize infected cells?

• A. The B cells flag the infected cells with amino acids.
• B. Tiny bits of the virus's RNA are left around the cell.
• C. Macrophages show up to help consume the infected cell.
• D. The T cells have receptors that recognize the proteins the virus leaves on the surface of the cell.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Killer T cells recognize infected cells by detecting viral proteins displayed on the surface of these cells. The T cells possess receptors specifically designed to identify these viral proteins, allowing them to target and eliminate the infected cells. Choice A is incorrect because B cells are not directly involved in the recognition process of infected cells by killer T cells. Choice B is incorrect because tiny bits of the virus's RNA being left around the cell is not how killer T cells primarily recognize infected cells. Choice C is incorrect because while macrophages play a role in immune responses, they do not directly assist in the recognition of infected cells by killer T cells.

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