Nursing Elites

1. Where does the nerve impulses send neurotransmitters across a synapse to a muscle cell to stimulate muscle contraction?

• A. sarcomere
• B. tendon
• C. myelin sheath
• D. neuromuscular junction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The neuromuscular junction is the specific area where nerve impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters that cross the synaptic gap to bind to receptors on the muscle cell membrane. This binding initiates muscle contraction by stimulating the muscle cell. The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit in a muscle fiber, not the location where nerve impulses communicate with muscle cells. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not involved in transmitting nerve impulses. The myelin sheath is a protective covering around nerve fibers but is not directly involved in transmitting neurotransmitters to muscle cells for muscle contraction.

2. 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.

3. In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit commonly used to quantify:

• A. Energy
• B. Radioactivity
• C. Nuclear cross-section
• D. Half-life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit used to quantify nuclear cross-section. Nuclear cross-section is a measure of the probability of a nuclear reaction occurring when an atomic nucleus interacts with a particle or another nucleus. The barn is a unit of area equal to 10^-28 square meters; it is commonly used to describe the cross-sectional area of atomic nuclei for nuclear reactions. Choice A, 'Energy,' is incorrect because a barn is not a unit for measuring energy; it is a unit of area. Choice B, 'Radioactivity,' is incorrect as radioactivity is typically measured in units like becquerels. Choice D, 'Half-life,' is also incorrect as half-life is a measure of the time it takes for half of a substance to decay, not related to the concept of a barn as a unit of nuclear cross-section.

4. Which of the following is NOT a function of the forebrain?

• A. To regulate blood pressure and heart rate
• B. To perceive and interpret emotional responses like fear and anger
• C. To perceive and interpret visual input from the eyes
• D. To integrate voluntary movement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The forebrain is primarily responsible for higher cognitive functions such as perception, interpretation, and integration of sensory information, emotional responses, and voluntary movements. Functions like regulating blood pressure and heart rate are mainly controlled by various structures in the brainstem, such as the medulla oblongata and the pons. Choices B, C, and D are all functions associated with the forebrain. Choice B relates to the limbic system, which is part of the forebrain responsible for emotional responses. Choice C corresponds to the occipital lobe in the forebrain, involved in processing visual information. Choice D involves the motor cortex and other areas in the forebrain that coordinate voluntary movements.

5. Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland to regulate metabolism?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thyroxine, also known as T4, is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland to regulate metabolism. It is essential for controlling the body's metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, and bone maintenance. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands, not the thyroid gland. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex, not the thyroid gland. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, not the thyroid gland. Therefore, the correct answer is Thyroxine (B).

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