Nursing Elites

1. What mineral is essential for muscle function and can cause cramps if deficient?

• A. Sodium
• B. Calcium
• C. Potassium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Potassium is essential for muscle function, including muscle contraction. A deficiency in potassium can lead to muscle weakness and cramps. While sodium, calcium, and magnesium are also important minerals for muscle function, potassium is specifically known for its role in preventing muscle cramps by regulating muscle contractions and nerve signals.

2. How many amino acids can make up a protein?

• A. 10-20
• B. 50-100
• C. 100-500
• D. 1000+

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, and there are 20 standard amino acids commonly found in proteins. The sequence and arrangement of these amino acids determine the structure and function of a protein. While proteins can vary in size and complexity, the number of amino acids typically ranges from around 10 to 20 in smaller proteins to hundreds or even thousands in larger proteins. Therefore, the range of 10-20 amino acids is the most accurate representation of the number of amino acids that can make up a protein. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they provide ranges that are beyond the typical number of amino acids found in proteins and may lead to confusion. The correct answer is A (10-20).

3. What is the process by which a large, unstable nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing neutrons and energy?

• A. Alpha decay
• B. Beta decay
• C. Gamma decay
• D. Nuclear fission

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nuclear fission is the correct answer. It is the process in which a large, unstable nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing neutrons and energy. Alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay involve the emission of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, respectively. These decay processes do not result in the splitting of a nucleus like nuclear fission does.

4. What is correct about the hormones that stimulate male and female organs to produce male and female sex hormones?

• A. Female organs are stimulated by female hormones and male organs by male hormones.
• B. The same hormones that produce male or female sex characteristics stimulate the organs.
• C. The same hormones stimulate both male and female organs to produce sex hormones.
• D. The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland's secretion of male and female hormones.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The same hormones stimulate both male and female organs to produce sex hormones. Hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are produced by the pituitary gland and act on the ovaries in females and the testes in males to stimulate the production of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone in females, testosterone in males). Therefore, the same hormones stimulate both male and female organs to produce sex hormones. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the relationship between hormones and the stimulation of male and female organs to produce sex hormones.

5. How do vaccines primarily function within the body?

• A. Creating a physical barrier against pathogens
• B. Triggering an inflammatory response
• C. Developing immunological memory to a specific pathogen
• D. Activating phagocytes to engulf pathogens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vaccines primarily function by stimulating the immune system to develop immunological memory to a specific pathogen. When a vaccine is administered, it exposes the immune system to a harmless version of a pathogen or a piece of it. This exposure triggers the immune response, leading to the production of antibodies and memory cells specific to that pathogen. Choice A is incorrect because vaccines do not create a physical barrier; rather, they prepare the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. Choice B is incorrect as vaccines do trigger an immune response, but the primary goal is to create memory rather than inflammation. Choice D is incorrect as vaccines do not directly activate phagocytes; instead, they stimulate the immune system to generate a targeted response against a particular pathogen.

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