Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of arrector pili muscles?

• A. To control sweat production
• B. To contract and cause goosebumps
• C. To produce sebum
• D. To sense touch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct function of arrector pili muscles is to contract and cause goosebumps. These small muscles are attached to hair follicles in mammals. When they contract, they cause the hair to stand on end, resulting in goosebumps. This physiological response is often triggered by cold temperatures or emotional states like fear, helping mammals conserve heat or appear larger in threatening situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Arrector pili muscles are not involved in controlling sweat production (Choice A), producing sebum (Choice C), or sensing touch (Choice D).

2. Which of the following is a dense, interconnected mass of nerve cells located outside the central nervous system?

• A. ganglion
• B. dendrite
• C. cranial nerve
• D. pons

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A ganglion is a dense, interconnected mass of nerve cells located outside the central nervous system. Ganglia serve as relay points where nerve cells communicate and integrate signals. They are found along peripheral nerves, processing sensory information and coordinating motor responses. Choice B, dendrite, refers to a part of a neuron that receives signals, not a mass of nerve cells. Choice C, cranial nerve, is a bundle of nerves that emerge from the brain, not a mass of nerve cells. Choice D, pons, is a part of the brainstem, which is within the central nervous system, not located outside of it.

3. What does the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determine?

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Isotope
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is referred to as the atomic number. This atomic number is crucial as it uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Isotopes are variants of elements with the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons. Valence electron count pertains to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, which influences its chemical behavior.

4. Which vitamin plays a vital role in immune function?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin B12
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It plays a vital role in immune function by regulating the immune system and enhancing the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages. Deficiency in Vitamin D has been linked to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases, highlighting its importance in maintaining a healthy immune response. Vitamin A (Choice A) is essential for vision and skin health but is not primarily known for its role in immune function. Vitamin B12 (Choice B) is important for red blood cell formation and neurological function, not specifically immune function. Vitamin E (Choice D) acts as an antioxidant and is beneficial for skin health and cell function, but it is not primarily associated with immune system support.

5. Which of the following is the smallest part of an element that can still be recognized as that element?

• A. Electron
• B. Proton
• C. Neutron
• D. Atom

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the chemical properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons that orbit the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus defines the atomic number of the element, and the number of neutrons determines the isotope of the element. While electrons, protons, and neutrons are fundamental particles, an atom as a whole is the smallest part of an element that maintains its unique identity. Electrons are negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus, protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus, and neutrons are neutral particles in the nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: Atom.'

Similar Questions