Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores?

• A. Cortisol
• B. Aldosterone
• C. Epinephrine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response. It increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy stores to provide the body with the necessary resources to respond to a perceived threat or stressor. Cortisol, although produced by the adrenal glands, is not responsible for the 'fight or flight' response; it is involved in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Aldosterone, another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, primarily regulates electrolyte and fluid balance. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

2. What is the function of valves in arteries?

• A. To maintain high blood pressure for the proper diffusion of nutrients in capillaries.
• B. To prevent backflow of blood due to high pressure away from the heart.
• C. As a vestigial trait from evolution, like the appendix, that serves no purpose.
• D. Valves are absent in arteries but present in veins.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Valves in arteries serve the crucial function of preventing backflow of blood. Arteries carry blood at high pressure away from the heart, and the valves ensure that blood flows in one direction, towards the capillaries, to maintain efficient circulation. Without these valves, there would be a risk of blood flowing backward, compromising the effectiveness of blood circulation in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A incorrectly suggests that valves maintain high blood pressure for nutrient diffusion in capillaries, which is not their function. Choice C inaccurately compares valves to vestigial traits, like the appendix, implying they serve no purpose, which is untrue. Choice D is incorrect as valves are indeed present in arteries to regulate blood flow, not just in veins.

3. The muscular diaphragm plays a vital role in respiration. When it contracts, it:

• A. Increases lung volume for inhalation
• B. Decreases lung volume for exhalation
• C. Filters dust and particles from inhaled air
• D. Produces mucus to lubricate the airways

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The muscular diaphragm plays a crucial role in respiration by contracting and flattening during inhalation. This action increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, which leads to a decrease in pressure within the lungs, allowing air to rush in and fill the expanded space. Choice B is incorrect because the diaphragm contracting increases the lung volume for inhalation, not decreases it for exhalation. Choice C is incorrect as the role of filtering dust and particles is primarily performed by the respiratory system's other structures like the nasal passages and the mucous membranes. Choice D is incorrect as mucus production is mainly carried out by specialized cells in the respiratory system and not by the diaphragm.

4. Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

• A. Frontal lobe
• B. Parietal lobe
• C. Temporal lobe
• D. Occipital lobe

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain, is primarily responsible for processing visual information. It contains the primary visual cortex, which interprets visual stimuli received from the eyes. The frontal lobe is primarily involved in higher cognitive functions, the parietal lobe in sensory processing and spatial awareness, and the temporal lobe in auditory processing and memory. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are associated with functions different from visual processing.

5. Which structure in the skin is responsible for producing oil that keeps the skin and hair moisturized?

• A. Sudoriferous gland
• B. Sebaceous gland
• C. Hair follicle
• D. Melanocyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sebaceous gland. Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing oil (sebum) that keeps the skin and hair moisturized. Sudoriferous glands produce sweat, not oil, and are involved in temperature regulation. Hair follicles are responsible for hair growth and do not produce oil directly. Melanocytes are cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, and are not involved in oil production.

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