Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of the kidneys?

• A. To filter waste products from the blood
• B. To produce urine
• C. To regulate blood pressure
• D. To produce hormones that help control blood sugar levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste products, excess ions, and water from the bloodstream to form urine, which is then excreted from the body. This process helps maintain the body's internal environment by regulating the balance of electrolytes, fluid volume, and pH levels. While the kidneys do produce urine as a result of filtering the blood, their primary function is to filter waste products rather than solely producing urine. Although the kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by controlling blood volume and electrolyte concentration, their main function is waste filtration. While the kidneys do produce hormones like erythropoietin and renin that regulate physiological processes, such as red blood cell production and blood pressure, the main role of the kidneys is waste filtration.

2. What happens when the diaphragm contracts?

• A. Air is expelled from the lungs.
• B. The lungs expand to allow air intake.
• C. The vocal cords vibrate to produce sound.
• D. The trachea narrows to control airflow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity. This expansion of the chest cavity causes the lungs to expand as well, allowing air to be drawn into the lungs during inhalation. Therefore, the correct answer is that the lungs expand to allow air intake when the diaphragm contracts. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because when the diaphragm contracts, it does not expel air from the lungs, cause the vocal cords to vibrate, or narrow the trachea to control airflow.

3. What cells compose the epidermis?

• A. Keratinocytes
• B. Epithelial cells
• C. Fibroblasts
• D. Melanocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A - Keratinocytes. The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes, which are a type of epithelial cell. Keratinocytes synthesize the protein keratin, providing protection against physical damage and water loss. While epithelial cells are correct, specifying keratinocytes is more precise. Fibroblasts are not the main cell type in the epidermis; they are found in the dermis, where they produce collagen and other extracellular matrix components. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin pigment in the skin and are also present in the epidermis, but they are not the predominant cell type like keratinocytes.

4. Which of the following correctly identifies a difference between the primary and secondary immune response?

• A. In the secondary response, macrophages migrate to the lymph nodes to present the foreign microorganism to helper T lymphocytes.
• B. The humoral immunity that characterizes the primary response is coordinated by B lymphocytes.
• C. The primary response is quicker and more powerful than the secondary response.
• D. Suppressor T cells are activated in the secondary response to prevent an overactive immune response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The primary immune response is slower and less powerful compared to the secondary immune response. During the primary response, immune cells encounter the antigen for the first time, necessitating the activation and proliferation of specific immune cells. In contrast, the secondary response benefits from memory cells that quickly recognize the antigen, enabling a faster and more potent immune response. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While macrophages play a role in presenting antigens to T cells, this is not a defining difference between primary and secondary responses. Humoral immunity involves B lymphocytes in both primary and secondary responses, so it does not differentiate the two. Suppressor T cells primarily function to regulate the immune response but are not a key factor distinguishing primary from secondary responses.

5. The adaptive immune system develops a targeted response to specific pathogens. What type of immune cell is responsible for producing antibodies?

• A. Natural killer cells
• B. Phagocytes
• C. Helper T cells
• D. B cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: B cells are responsible for producing antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response. When activated by a specific antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies to target and neutralize pathogens. Natural killer cells are primarily involved in killing infected or cancerous cells, phagocytes engulf pathogens, and helper T cells assist in activating other immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is B cells because they play a crucial role in antibody production, a key component of the adaptive immune response.

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