Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the cell?

• A. To synthesize and transport proteins and lipids
• B. To package and transport proteins
• C. To break down macromolecules
• D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes within the cell that plays a crucial role in protein and lipid synthesis. It consists of two types: rough ER, which is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis, and smooth ER, which is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification. The ER's main function is to synthesize proteins and lipids, not just package and transport them. While the ER is involved in transporting these synthesized proteins and lipids to other parts of the cell or outside the cell, its primary role is in their synthesis. Breaking down macromolecules is primarily the function of lysosomes, which are membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes for digestion. Storing genetic material is the function of the nucleus, which houses the cell's DNA. The ER is not involved in storing genetic material.

2. If a doctor diagnoses a patient with an impaired posterior pituitary gland, which of the following symptoms related to kidney function does the patient display?

• A. Thirst
• B. Tiredness
• C. Weight gain
• D. Concentrated urine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When the posterior pituitary gland is impaired, there is decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH plays a crucial role in regulating water reabsorption by the kidneys. A deficiency of ADH leads to the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine, resulting in the production of dilute urine. Therefore, 'Concentrated urine' is the correct symptom associated with impaired posterior pituitary gland. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Thirst is more commonly associated with diabetes insipidus, tiredness could be a general symptom but not specifically related to kidney function, and weight gain is not a typical symptom of impaired posterior pituitary gland affecting kidney function.

3. What scientific term encompasses a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence?

• A. Trait
• B. Mutation
• C. Allele
• D. Variation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Trait: A trait is a characteristic or feature of an organism that is determined by its genes. B) Mutation: A mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that can result from errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagens, or other factors. C) Allele: An allele is a variant form of a gene that can result in different traits or characteristics. D) Variation: Variation refers to the differences in traits or characteristics among individuals of the same species, which can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In this context, the term that specifically refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence is "mutation."

4. When a blockage forms in a coronary artery, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle, this condition is called:

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Myocardial infarction
• C. Angina pectoris
• D. Heart murmur

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when a blockage forms in a coronary artery, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to blockages but is not the name for this specific condition. Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort due to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, which is a precursor to a heart attack but not the name for this condition. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often due to turbulent blood flow, and is not related to a blockage in a coronary artery.

5. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

• A. Maintain body temperature
• B. Deliver oxygen to the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide
• C. Produce antibodies for the immune system
• D. Break down food molecules for energy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide. This process occurs through breathing, where oxygen is inhaled into the lungs and then transferred to the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream and exhaled out of the body. Maintaining body temperature (A), producing antibodies for the immune system (C), and breaking down food molecules for energy (D) are functions of other systems in the body, not the respiratory system. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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