Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the immune system?

• A. To transport oxygen
• B. To fight infections
• C. To produce energy
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the immune system is to fight infections. It identifies and destroys pathogens like bacteria and viruses, protecting the body from harmful substances. While oxygen transportation is carried out by the respiratory system, energy production is mainly the role of the metabolic system, and body temperature regulation is managed by the thermoregulatory system. These functions are separate from the immune system's primary role of defending the body against infections.

2. Which hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle?

• A. Melatonin
• B. Insulin
• C. Cortisol
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Its secretion is influenced by light exposure, with levels typically rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling in the morning to encourage wakefulness. Insulin is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol plays a role in the body's stress response and circadian rhythm but is not the primary hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, not the sleep-wake cycle.

3. What is the primary function of the skeletal system?

• A. To produce blood cells
• B. To protect organs
• C. To store fat
• D. To secrete hormones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the skeletal system is to protect vital organs, provide structural support, and enable movement. It serves as a framework that supports and protects internal organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. Choice A is incorrect because blood cell production primarily occurs in the bone marrow, a component of the skeletal system but not its primary function. Choice C is incorrect because fat storage is not a primary function of the skeletal system. Choice D is incorrect because hormone secretion is mainly regulated by endocrine glands, not the skeletal system.

4. What is the function of amylase?

• A. Breaking down starch
• B. Digesting fat
• C. Breaking down protein
• D. Absorbing water

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breaking down starch. Amylase is an enzyme that specifically functions to break down starch into smaller sugar molecules such as maltose and glucose. This process is essential for the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because amylase does not digest fat, break down protein, or absorb water; its primary function lies in starch digestion.

5. Which of the following structures has the lowest blood pressure?

• A. arteries
• B. arterioles
• C. venules
• D. veins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Veins have the lowest blood pressure among the listed structures. This is because veins carry blood back to the heart at a slower rate compared to arteries, arterioles, and venules. The lower blood pressure in veins allows for the efficient return of blood to the heart despite the decreased pressure. Arteries have high blood pressure as they transport blood away from the heart at a rapid rate. Arterioles are smaller branches of arteries and contribute to resistance in the circulatory system, leading to a pressure drop. Venules are small blood vessels that collect blood from capillaries and gradually converge into veins, having slightly higher pressure than veins.

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