Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the liver?

• A. To produce bile, which aids in the digestion of fats
• B. To store energy in the form of glycogen
• C. To produce proteins that assist in blood clotting
• D. To detoxify harmful substances in the body

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances in the body. While the liver does produce bile to aid in the digestion of fats, this is not its primary function. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine for fat digestion. Storing energy in the form of glycogen is a function of the liver, but not its primary one. Glycogen serves as a reserve of glucose. Although the liver produces proteins that assist in blood clotting, such as fibrinogen and prothrombin, this is not its main function. These proteins play a crucial role in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Therefore, the primary role of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances by processing and removing toxins, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, thereby reducing their harmful effects.

2. Which of the following neurotransmitters is associated with the feeling of happiness and well-being?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known for its role in mood regulation, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being. It helps regulate emotions, sleep, and appetite. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to conditions like depression and anxiety. Choice A, Dopamine, is more associated with pleasure and reward pathways in the brain. GABA (Choice C) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in reducing neuronal excitability, not primarily linked to happiness. Acetylcholine (Choice D) is involved in muscle contraction and has functions related to memory and attention, but it is not primarily associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

3. What describes a cell’s reaction to being placed in a hypertonic solution?

• A. The cell will shrink as water is pulled out of the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• B. The cell will swell as water is pulled into the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• C. The cell will remain the same size since the concentrations inside and outside the cell are equal to begin with.
• D. The pH inside the cell will drop in order to equalize the pH inside and outside the cell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A cell placed in a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. This creates a concentration gradient that causes water to move out of the cell through osmosis to equalize the concentrations on both sides. As a result, the cell will shrink or undergo plasmolysis, as water is pulled out of the cell. Choice B is incorrect because a hypertonic solution causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage rather than swelling. Choice C is incorrect as a hypertonic solution results in a concentration gradient that leads to water leaving the cell, causing it to shrink. Choice D is incorrect because pH is not directly affected by being placed in a hypertonic solution; the change in solute concentration primarily impacts water movement.

4. What is surgically altered during a vasectomy?

• A. Vas deferens
• B. Glans penis
• C. Prostate
• D. Urethra

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a vasectomy, the vas deferens is surgically altered or cut to prevent the transport of sperm from the testicles to the urethra. This procedure is a form of permanent male sterilization. The glans penis, prostate, and urethra are not surgically altered during a vasectomy. Therefore, the correct answer is the vas deferens (Choice A), as it is the structure specifically targeted and modified in this procedure. The glans penis (Choice B) is the sensitive tip of the penis, the prostate (Choice C) is a gland vital for semen production but not involved in a vasectomy, and the urethra (Choice D) is the tube that carries urine and semen but is not surgically altered in a vasectomy.

5. Which of the following does not describe a general trait of macromolecules?

• A. They can exist as single chains.
• B. They can be branched.
• C. They all contain carbon, hydrogen, and phosphorus.
• D. They are all used by the body.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. While many macromolecules contain carbon, hydrogen, and phosphorus, not all of them do. For example, lipids, a type of macromolecule, may not contain phosphorus. Choice A and B describe structural features that macromolecules can exhibit, whether as single chains or branched forms. Choice D is incorrect as not all macromolecules are used by the body, such as synthetic polymers or certain non-digestible fibers.

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