Which of the following glands disappears during old age?
- A. Thymus
- B. Parathyroid
- C. Thyroid
- D. Pituitary
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The thymus gland is the correct answer because it involutes or shrinks with age, leading to decreased immune function. The parathyroid, thyroid, and pituitary glands do not disappear with old age but may undergo changes in function. The parathyroid regulates calcium levels, the thyroid controls metabolism, and the pituitary gland secretes various hormones. Therefore, the thymus gland is the only gland that disappears during old age, making it the correct answer.
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Ketosis and acidosis are:
- A. most apt to be caused by an excess of insulin.
- B. characteristic of diabetes insipidus.
- C. best treated with ADH.
- D. indicative of a rapid and incomplete metabolism of fatty acids.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because ketosis and acidosis are indicative of a rapid and incomplete metabolism of fatty acids. Ketosis occurs when the body breaks down fats for energy, leading to high levels of ketones in the blood. Acidosis results from the accumulation of acidic substances in the body due to incomplete metabolism. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because excess insulin does not cause ketosis and acidosis, diabetes insipidus is unrelated to these conditions, and ADH (antidiuretic hormone) is not the appropriate treatment for ketosis and acidosis.
Which produces the majority of salivary volume?
- A. lingual glands
- B. sublingual
- C. parotid
- D. submandibular
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: submandibular glands. These glands produce the majority of salivary volume due to their larger size and higher rate of saliva production compared to other salivary glands. Submandibular glands secrete a combination of serous and mucous saliva, contributing to overall saliva volume. The lingual glands (choice A) are smaller and contribute a smaller amount of saliva. The sublingual glands (choice B) are also smaller and produce less saliva compared to the submandibular glands. The parotid glands (choice C) are the largest salivary glands but contribute a smaller volume of saliva compared to the submandibular glands.
Common nonspecific manifestations that may alert the nurse to endocrine dysfunction include
- A. goiter and alopecia.
- B. exophthalmos and tremors.
- C. weight loss, fatigue, and depression.
- D. polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Weight loss, fatigue, and depression are nonspecific symptoms that can point to various endocrine disorders, including thyroid and adrenal conditions.
Which of these hormones is released by the posterior pituitary gland?
- A. thyroid hormone
- B. antidiuretic hormone
- C. glucagon
- D. insulin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is released by the posterior pituitary gland to regulate water balance in the body by controlling the reabsorption of water in the kidneys. Thyroid hormone (A) is produced by the thyroid gland, while glucagon (C) and insulin (D) are produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. ADH is the only hormone among the choices that is released by the posterior pituitary gland, making it the correct answer.
Regarding starvation:
- A. glycogen provides enough fuel for 48 hours
- B. ketoacids derived from fats, are used by the brain and other tissues
- C. hypoglycaemia has a protein sparing effect
- D. average time until death is 40 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (B):
1. During starvation, the body shifts to using ketoacids derived from fats for fuel.
2. The brain and other tissues can utilize these ketoacids.
3. This process helps to spare protein and prevent muscle breakdown.
4. Therefore, choice B is correct as ketoacids play a crucial role in providing energy during starvation.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Glycogen stores are depleted within 24 hours, not 48 hours.
C: Hypoglycemia during starvation does not have a protein sparing effect.
D: The average time until death from starvation is typically much shorter than 40 days.