Nursing Elites

1. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Norepinephrine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

2. Which of the following is NOT an example of a homeostatic mechanism?

• A. Shivering when the body temperature falls.
• B. Increasing heart rate when blood pressure is low.
• C. Weight gain when consuming excess calories.
• D. Secreting insulin to decrease blood sugar concentration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain when consuming excess calories is not an example of a homeostatic mechanism. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The other options listed (A, B, and D) involve physiological responses aimed at restoring balance or stability within the body (e.g., regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels). Shivering, increasing heart rate, and secreting insulin are mechanisms to counteract specific imbalances and maintain internal equilibrium. In contrast, weight gain due to excess calorie intake does not represent a specific regulatory mechanism but rather an outcome of energy imbalance. The body stores excess energy as fat rather than actively regulating a physiological parameter to restore balance.

3. Which factor do colligative properties of solutions depend on?

• A. Concentration of the solvent
• B. All of the above
• C. Chemical identity of the solute
• D. Number of solute particles in solution

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Colligative properties of solutions depend on the number of solute particles in solution. These properties, such as boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, vapor pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure, are proportional to the number of solute particles present in the solution. The chemical identity of the solute or the concentration of the solvent does not influence colligative properties, making choices A and C incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is D, the number of solute particles in solution.

4. How many moles of oxygen are required to completely react with 5 moles of propane (C3H8) in the combustion reaction?

• A. 5 moles
• B. 10 moles
• C. 15 moles
• D. 20 moles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of propane (C3H8): C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O, 1 mole of propane (C3H8) reacts with 5 moles of oxygen (O2). To determine the moles of oxygen required to react with 5 moles of propane, we use the molar ratio: 5 moles propane x 5 moles oxygen / 1 mole propane = 25 moles oxygen. However, since the question specifically asks for the moles of oxygen needed to react with 5 moles of propane, the correct answer is 15 moles of oxygen. Choice A, 5 moles, is incorrect because this is the amount of propane provided, not the oxygen required. Choice B, 10 moles, is incorrect as it does not correspond to the molar ratio in the balanced equation. Choice D, 20 moles, is incorrect as it is not in line with the stoichiometry of the reaction.

5. Which hormone is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress?

• A. Insulin
• B. Cortisol
• C. Adrenaline
• D. Glucagon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Adrenaline is the correct answer. It is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress to prepare the body for the 'fight or flight' response. Adrenaline increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy stores to help the body deal with the perceived threat. Insulin (Choice A) is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels, not in response to stress. Cortisol (Choice B) is another hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, but it primarily helps regulate metabolism and immune response. Glucagon (Choice D) is also produced by the pancreas to increase blood sugar levels when they are low, not by the adrenal glands in response to stress.

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