Nursing Elites

1. What is the basic unit of communication in the nervous system?

• A. Neuron
• B. Astrocyte
• C. Neurotransmitter
• D. Synapse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A neuron is the basic unit of communication in the nervous system. Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that provide support and nourishment to neurons but do not participate in signal transmission. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that facilitate signal transmission between neurons, and synapses are the specific junctions where these signals are transmitted. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Neuron' as it is the primary cell involved in transmitting information in the nervous system.

2. How can you differentiate between a bacterial and viral infection based solely on symptoms?

• A. It's impossible to differentiate solely based on symptoms.
• B. Bacterial infections typically respond well to antibiotics, while viral infections don't.
• C. Bacterial infections usually cause fever, while viral infections don't.
• D. Viral infections often present with respiratory symptoms like a cough, while bacterial infections don't.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It is impossible to differentiate between a bacterial and viral infection based solely on symptoms because many symptoms overlap between the two types of infections. Symptoms like fever, cough, and others can be present in both bacterial and viral infections. Additional diagnostic tests such as cultures or blood tests are often needed to determine the cause of the infection accurately. Relying only on symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they oversimplify the differentiation process and do not encompass the complexity of symptoms associated with bacterial and viral infections. While it is true that bacterial infections may respond to antibiotics and some differences in symptoms may be observed between bacterial and viral infections, these are not definitive indicators without proper diagnostic tests.

3. What is the function of the pituitary gland?

• A. Produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism
• B. Filters blood and removes waste products
• C. Stores and releases bile
• D. Produces red blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it produces and releases hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. It does not filter blood or remove waste products (option B), store and release bile (option C), or produce red blood cells (option D). The pituitary gland's primary role is in hormone production and regulation, influencing many essential functions in the body.

4. If a biochemist isolates a large amount of pyruvate, which part of the cell is he working with?

• A. Chloroplasts
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Nucleus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cytoplasm. Pyruvate is a product of glycolysis, a metabolic pathway that takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. Therefore, a biochemist isolating a large amount of pyruvate would be working with the cytoplasm of the cell. Choice A, Chloroplasts, is incorrect because pyruvate is not produced in chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. Choice C, Mitochondria, is incorrect as pyruvate is produced in the cytoplasm before entering the mitochondria for further metabolism. Choice D, Nucleus, is incorrect as the nucleus is not involved in the production or isolation of pyruvate, which is a metabolic intermediate.

5. Which of the following conditions is characterized by a wasting or decrease in muscle mass?

• A. Hypertrophy
• B. Atrophy
• C. Spasticity
• D. Myopathy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atrophy is the correct answer as it is characterized by a wasting or decrease in muscle mass. Hypertrophy, on the other hand, refers to an increase in muscle size. Spasticity is associated with increased muscle tone due to continuous contraction of muscles. Myopathy, on the other hand, is a broad term used to describe various muscle diseases affecting muscle tissue, which may or may not involve muscle wasting.

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