Nursing Elites

1. When animals eat, insulin is released from the pancreas, stimulating glucose uptake by the liver. When glucose levels drop, the pancreas reduces insulin release. This is an example of which mechanism for maintaining homeostasis?

• A. Negative feedback.
• B. Positive feedback.
• C. Stress response.
• D. Parasympathetic regulation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This mechanism is an example of negative feedback. Negative feedback systems work to counteract changes in the body and maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis). In this case, the release of insulin in response to high glucose levels is followed by a reduction in insulin release when glucose levels drop. This response helps regulate glucose levels and return them to a normal range, demonstrating the characteristic of negative feedback where the body's response opposes the initial stimulus to maintain equilibrium. Positive feedback would amplify the initial change rather than counteract it, so it is not the correct choice. Stress response and parasympathetic regulation are not directly involved in this glucose regulation process, making them incorrect choices.

2. Which of the following terms means close to the trunk of the body?

• A. Superficial
• B. Sagittal
• C. Proximal
• D. Distal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term 'proximal' means situated close to the point of attachment or the center of the body, such as close to the trunk. In anatomical terms, proximal is used to describe locations that are closer to the body's center or point of reference. 'Superficial' refers to something situated near the surface, 'sagittal' refers to a plane that divides the body into left and right portions, and 'distal' refers to a position away from the center or point of reference. Therefore, 'proximal' is the correct term to indicate a position close to the trunk of the body.

3. Which of the following best describes the function of the pericardium?

• A. Regulating blood flow through valves within the heart.
• B. Acting as a protective sac surrounding the heart.
• C. Generating the electrical impulses for heart contractions.
• D. Transmitting electrical signals between the atria and ventricles.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pericardium is a double-layered sac that surrounds and protects the heart. Its main functions include preventing overfilling of the heart, providing a physical barrier against infection and inflammation, and reducing friction between the heart and surrounding structures. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately describe the function of the pericardium. Option B is the correct answer as it aligns with the protective and supportive role of the pericardium, distinguishing it from the functions attributed to choices A, C, and D.

4. Which of the following organs is responsible for producing digestive enzymes?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes to aid in the breakdown of food in the small intestine. These enzymes play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat. The liver is responsible for producing bile, not digestive enzymes. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, which aids in the digestion of fats. The esophagus is a muscular tube that helps in the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach and does not produce digestive enzymes.

5. What is the process by which cells respond to external stimuli, such as chemicals, temperature, or touch, called?

• A. Signal transduction
• B. Homeostasis
• C. Adaptation
• D. Metabolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Signal transduction is the correct answer. It is the process by which cells respond to external stimuli like chemicals, temperature, or touch. When a cell receives a signal from its environment, it triggers a series of molecular events leading to a specific cellular response. This process involves transmitting signals from the cell surface to the interior, triggering various cellular activities. Homeostasis, on the other hand, refers to an organism's ability to maintain internal stability in response to external changes. Adaptation involves an organism adjusting to its environment over time through genetic changes or behavioral modifications, which is distinct from the process of cells responding to immediate external stimuli. Metabolism, although essential for cellular functions, is not specifically about cells responding to external stimuli but rather the biochemical processes involved in energy production, storage, and utilization within cells.

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