NCLEX-RN : General Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX-RN

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Example Questions

Example Question #261 : General Biology

What role do tyrosine and iodine play in thyroid hormone (thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3)) production?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Conversion of phenylalanine into tyrosine

Synthesis of T4

Conversion of T4 to T3

Correct answer:

Synthesis of T4

Explanation:

Tyrosine and iodine are both precursors for synthesis of T4. Selenium is essential for conversion of T4 to T3, and iron is the cofactor for conversion of phenylalanine into tyrosine.

Example Question #4 : Endocrine And Immune Systems

What hormone is produced as a response to rising plasma calcium levels?

Possible Answers:

Calcitonin

Parathyroid hormone

Thyroid hormone

Cortisol

Correct answer:

Calcitonin

Explanation:

Calcitonin is produced by the parafollicular (c cells) of the thyroid as a response to elevated blood calcium levels. Calcitonin reduces plasma calcium by inhibiting osteoclast activity and stimulating osteoblasts to deposit more bone. Parathyroid hormone has the opposite effect - it acts to increase calcium levels when serum calcium decreases. While they may ultimately affect serum calcium levels, thyroid hormone and cortisol are not directly involved in calcium homeostasis.

Example Question #5 : Endocrine And Immune Systems

Which of the following hormones is produced in the anterior pituitary?

Possible Answers:

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Dopamine

Somatostatin

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Correct answer:

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Explanation:

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced in the anterior pituitary. Somatostatin, dopamine, and gonadotropin releasing hormone are all hypothalamic hormones. Somatostatin is also secreted by the pancreas, and slows down digestive processes. To remember the hormones of the anterior pituitary, use the following mnemonic: FLAT PEG, Follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, Thyroid-stimulating hormone, Prolactin, Endorphins, Growth hormone.

Example Question #6 : Endocrine And Immune Systems

Which of the following hormones is produced by the adrenal medulla? 

Possible Answers:

Calcitonin

Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone

Epinephrine

Antidiuretic hormone

Correct answer:

Epinephrine

Explanation:

Epinephrine is the only hormone of those listed that is produced by the adrenal medulla. The adrenal medulla is the center of the adrenal gland. Antidiuretic hormone is produced by the posterior pituitary. Calcitonin is produced by the thyroid. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is secreted from the anterior pituitary, as is follicle-stimulating hormone. 

Example Question #7 : Endocrine And Immune Systems

Which of the following hormones promotes uterine contractility during and after childbirth?

Possible Answers:

Amylin

Estrogen

Oxytocin

Progesterone

Prolactin

Correct answer:

Oxytocin

Explanation:

Oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus, and is released by the posterior pituitary. Women experience an increased level of oxytocin during labor, after birth, and while breastfeeding. It helps to increase uterine contractility, aiding in the delivery process and preventing hemorrhage after birth. Progesterone and estrogen are hormones released from the ovary. Estrogen is has many effects on the body, one of which is the development of sex characteristics in females. Progesterone is important in regulation of the uterine lining. Prolactin is made by the anterior pituitary gland and functions in the production on breast milk. 

Example Question #8 : Endocrine And Immune Systems

When blood calcium is low, the parathyroid glands release parathyroid hormone. In response __________.

Possible Answers:

calcium is released from the bone

the kidneys excrete less calcium into the urine

the kidneys absorb additional calcium that is filtered from the blood

All of these

the intestines absorb more calcium from food

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

All of these are correct effects of parathyroid hormone. The kidneys resorb calcium and as a result, less is released into the urine. The intestines absorb additional calcium from food and calcium is released from the bone through the work of osteoclasts. 

Example Question #9 : Endocrine And Immune Systems

The thyroid is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is produced by which of the following?

Possible Answers:

The adrenal cortex

The adrenal medulla

The anterior pituitary

The posterior pituitary

The hypothalamus

Correct answer:

The anterior pituitary

Explanation:

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the anterior pituitary. TSH causes the thyroid to release thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). A TSH blood test is often ordered to diagnose hypoactive thyroid. 

Example Question #10 : Endocrine And Immune Systems

The nurse is counseling a patient who will return to the office to for a serum aldosterone blood test. The nurse tells the patient that aldosterone levels are highest at what time?

Possible Answers:

11 PM

7 AM

5 PM

11 AM

2 PM

Correct answer:

7 AM

Explanation:

Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. Serum aldosterone levels vary throughout the day. Aldosterone presence is highest in the morning. Of the answer choices, 7 AM is the best choice. A physician may have the patient come to the office at a specific time of day for this reason.

Example Question #262 : General Biology

The pineal gland is located in the center of the brain. Which of the following hormones is the pineal gland responsible for regulating? 

Possible Answers:

Leptin

Vitamin D

Melatonin

Vasopressin

Cortisol

Correct answer:

Melatonin

Explanation:

The pineal gland is responsible for regulating melatonin. It is not known at this time to secrete any other hormone. Melatonin is thought to play a critical role in the regulation of the circadian rhythm. Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal cortex and is involved in regulating the stress response. Vitamin D become activated in three steps. First, ultraviolet light in the skin begins the process, then the process continues in the liver, and is completed in the kidney. The active form of vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the gut, decreases calcium loss in urine, and increases calcium mobilization from bone. Vasopressin is also known as antidiuretic hormone, and functions in water retention. Leptin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue that tells the body that it is full, and not hungry.

Example Question #263 : General Biology

Which of the following are not considered endocrine glands? 

Possible Answers:

The hypothalamus

The salivary glands

The testes

The pancreas

The thyroid

Correct answer:

The salivary glands

Explanation:

Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the blood. The endocrine glands include the ovaries, testes, hypothalamus, thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands, pancreas, the pineal gland, and others. Salivary glands are considered exocrine glands. Exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts to the body surface or into body cavities, such as the mouth in the case of salivary glands.

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