Nursing Elites

1. During which developmental process does the first trimester of gestation roughly correspond?

• A. Embryogenesis
• B. Fertilization
• C. Meiosis
• D. Menstruation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Embryogenesis. The first trimester of gestation involves the process of embryogenesis, where the basic structures of the embryo are formed. This period is critical for the development of major organ systems and the establishment of the embryo's overall body plan. Fertilization occurs at the beginning of pregnancy when the sperm fertilizes the egg, marking the start of embryonic development. Meiosis is a cell division process that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes. Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur.

2. Which of the following is not part of the digestive system?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Liver
• C. Stomach
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Pancreas.' While the pancreas contributes to digestion by secreting enzymes, it is not part of the main digestive tract. The esophagus, liver, and stomach are integral components of the digestive system. The esophagus helps in the transport of food to the stomach, the stomach aids in food breakdown, the liver produces bile for fat digestion, and the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes. Therefore, the pancreas is the correct answer as it is not part of the primary digestive tract but supports digestion through enzyme secretion.

3. 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.

4. Which part of the brainstem is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing?

• A. Medulla oblongata
• B. Pons
• C. Midbrain
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. This part of the brainstem contains centers that regulate these essential autonomic functions to maintain homeostasis in the body. The pons and midbrain are also parts of the brainstem, but they are not primarily responsible for controlling these vital functions. The cerebellum, on the other hand, is involved in coordination and balance, not in regulating vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

5. What macromolecules are proteins that speed up chemical reactions and act as biological catalysts?

• A. Lipids
• B. Enzymes
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids do not serve as proteins that function as catalysts; they have different biological roles. Lipids are primarily used for energy storage, structural components, and signaling molecules. Carbohydrates are mainly for energy storage and providing structural support. Nucleic acids are involved in genetic information storage and transfer. Therefore, the correct answer is B: Enzymes.

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