Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons, preventing them from becoming overexcited?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, thus preventing overexcitation. Acetylcholine (choice A) is involved in muscle control and cognitive function, but it is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity. Dopamine (choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control, rather than inhibiting neuronal firing. Serotonin (choice D) is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite but does not primarily slow down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

2. What is the building block of RNA?

• A. Amino acid
• B. Nucleotide
• C. Protein
• D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nucleotide: Nucleotides are the building blocks of RNA. A nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or uracil in RNA), a sugar (ribose in RNA), and a phosphate group. A) Amino acid: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not RNA. C) Protein: Proteins are made up of amino acids, not nucleotides. D) Fatty acid: Fatty acids are components of lipids, not RNA.

3. What is the term for the energy released during a chemical reaction?

• A. Kinetic energy
• B. Potential energy
• C. Heat energy
• D. Exothermic energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Exothermic energy.' During an exothermic reaction, energy is released in the form of heat. The term 'exothermic' signifies that energy is moving outward, typically in the form of heat, throughout the reaction, leading to a decrease in the system's internal energy. Choice A, 'Kinetic energy,' refers to the energy of motion and is not specifically related to chemical reactions. Choice B, 'Potential energy,' is the energy stored within an object due to its position or state and is not directly related to energy released in a chemical reaction. Choice C, 'Heat energy,' is a form of energy but does not specifically describe the energy released during a chemical reaction.

4. The innate immune system provides a non-specific first line of defense. What are some physical barriers that contribute to the innate immune system?

• A. Antibodies
• B. Phagocytes
• C. Skin and mucous membranes
• D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes are crucial components of the innate immune system's first line of defense. These barriers act as physical obstacles that prevent pathogens from entering the body. Antibodies (option A) are produced by the adaptive immune system in response to specific pathogens and do not serve as physical barriers. Phagocytes (option B) are cells that engulf and digest pathogens, playing a role in the innate immune response but not as physical barriers. Memory B cells (option D) are part of the adaptive immune system and aid in mounting a faster and more effective immune response upon subsequent exposure to a specific pathogen, but they are not physical barriers against initial pathogen entry.

5. Which structure controls the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland?

• A. Hypothalamus
• B. Adrenal gland
• C. Testes
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. It acts as a master regulator of the endocrine system by producing releasing and inhibiting hormones that influence the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. Choice B, the Adrenal gland, is incorrect because while it plays a role in hormone production, it is not responsible for controlling the pituitary gland's hormones. Choice C, the Testes, and Choice D, the Pancreas, are also incorrect as they are not directly involved in controlling the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland.

Similar Questions