Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the integumentary system?

• A. Regulation of body temperature
• B. Protection from pathogens
• C. Synthesis of vitamin D
• D. Production of digestive enzymes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The production of digestive enzymes is not a function of the integumentary system. The integumentary system is responsible for regulating body temperature, protecting the body from pathogens, and synthesizing vitamin D. Digestive enzymes are produced by organs in the digestive system, such as the pancreas and stomach, and not by the integumentary system.

2. Which of the following organs is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller pieces?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mouth. The mouth is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and mixing with saliva. This process is essential for breaking down food into smaller, more digestible pieces before swallowing. The esophagus (choice A) is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach and does not participate in the mechanical breakdown of food. The stomach (choice B) primarily functions to further break down food using acids and enzymes, rather than mechanical means. The small intestine (choice C) is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the digested food, not for the mechanical breakdown of food.

3. During photosynthesis, plants capture sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This is an example of a:

• A. Decomposition reaction
• B. Combustion reaction
• C. Synthesis reaction
• D. Double displacement reaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: This is an example of a synthesis reaction because simpler substances (water and carbon dioxide) are combined to form a more complex substance (glucose) in the presence of sunlight. Choice A (Decomposition reaction) involves breaking down a compound into simpler substances, which is the opposite of what happens in photosynthesis. Choice B (Combustion reaction) typically involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat and light, not the formation of glucose and oxygen from simpler substances. Choice D (Double displacement reaction) involves an exchange of ions between two compounds, which is not what occurs in photosynthesis.

4. 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.

5. What is the most basic unit of structure in living things?

• A. Cell
• B. Organelle
• C. Oxygen
• D. Pigment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cell is indeed the most basic unit of life, forming the foundation of all living organisms. Cells are the building blocks of all living things, containing organelles that perform specific functions. While oxygen is essential for life, it is not a structural unit. Similarly, pigment is a component found within cells but is not the fundamental unit of structure. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Cell.'

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