Nursing Elites

1. Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor for proper absorption?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin B12

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach, for proper absorption in the small intestine. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 and facilitates its absorption in the ileum. Deficiency in intrinsic factor can lead to pernicious anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 absorption. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Vitamin A is absorbed in the small intestine with the help of bile salts; Vitamin C is absorbed in the small intestine via active transport; Vitamin D is absorbed in the small intestine through a process involving bile salts and micelles. It is essential for students to understand this relationship as it highlights the importance of intrinsic factor in the absorption of specific vitamins and the consequences of its deficiency.

2. What is the main function of red blood cells?

• A. Transport oxygen
• B. Transport carbon dioxide
• C. Regulate blood pressure
• D. Regulate heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transport oxygen. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to cells throughout the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration and energy production in the body. Red blood cells do not regulate blood pressure or heart rate; their main role is oxygen transport. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because red blood cells do not transport carbon dioxide, regulate blood pressure, or regulate heart rate. These functions are primarily carried out by other components of the circulatory and regulatory systems.

3. Two isotopes of the same element have different numbers of:

• A. Electrons
• B. Protons
• C. Neutrons
• D. Nuclei

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Neutrons.' Isotopes are variants of an element that have the same number of protons and electrons but differ in the number of neutrons they contain. This difference in neutron count is what distinguishes isotopes from each other while maintaining the same chemical properties. Choice A, 'Electrons,' is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same number of electrons. Choice B, 'Protons,' is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons. Choice D, 'Nuclei,' is incorrect as nuclei refer to the central part of an atom containing protons and neutrons, and the question specifically asks about differences between isotopes of the same element.

4. Where does fertilization of the egg by sperm typically occur?

• A. Ovary
• B. Fallopian tube
• C. Uterus
• D. Vagina

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fertilization of the egg by sperm typically occurs in the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, where it may encounter sperm for fertilization. The fallopian tube provides the ideal environment, including necessary nutrients and conditions, for fertilization to take place before the fertilized egg moves towards the uterus for implantation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because fertilization does not occur in the ovary, uterus, or vagina. The ovary releases the egg, the uterus is the site for implantation, and the vagina is part of the birth canal but not the typical site for fertilization.

5. 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.

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