Nursing Elites

1. A cell is in a solution in which the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside the cell. What would you expect to happen to the cell?

• A. It will swell and possibly burst.
• B. It will shrivel and shrink.
• C. It will maintain its current size.
• D. It will grow a supportive cell wall.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a cell is in a solution where the concentration of solutes is higher inside the cell than outside, it is in a hypertonic environment. In this situation, water will move into the cell in an attempt to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the cell membrane through the process of osmosis. As a result, the cell will swell as it takes in more water, potentially leading to bursting or cell lysis. Choice B is incorrect because a cell in a hypertonic solution will not shrivel and shrink due to water moving into the cell. Choice C is incorrect because the cell will not maintain its current size; it will swell. Choice D is incorrect because growing a supportive cell wall is not the immediate response to being in a hypertonic environment.

2. A student was asked to count birds in a given location over a 24-hour period. Which count would make their data most valid?

• A. Count birds at one feeder every 6 hours.
• B. Count birds at three feeders at noon and 6:00 P.M.
• C. Count birds at one feeder at noon and 6:00 P.M.
• D. Count birds at three feeders every 6 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Counting birds at one feeder at consistent time intervals (noon and 6:00 P.M.) over a 24-hour period ensures that the data collected are evenly distributed and provide a more accurate representation of the bird population in that location throughout the day. This method allows for observations during different times of the day, capturing potential variations in bird activity and distribution. Choice A is not as effective as it lacks observations at different times of the day, potentially missing variations in bird behavior. Choice B involves multiple locations and times, which could introduce more variables and make it harder to analyze the data accurately. Choice D, counting birds at three feeders every 6 hours, may provide too frequent data points and not cover all significant time intervals for observing bird activity.

3. Dogs are part of a larger animal group, the Carnivora. What classification is this?

• A. Kingdom
• B. Class
• C. Order
• D. Genus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The classification 'Carnivora' refers to an order in the taxonomic hierarchy. In the Linnaean classification system, the order comes below the class but above the family level. Therefore, Carnivora is a higher classification that includes dog species as well as other carnivorous mammals like cats, bears, and weasels. Option A (Kingdom) is too broad and refers to the highest taxonomic rank. Option B (Class) is a lower taxonomic rank than order. Option D (Genus) is a much more specific rank that comes below the family level in the Linnaean hierarchy.

4. In a strand of DNA, you would expect to see adenine paired with ___________.

• A. cytosine
• B. uracil
• C. thymine
• D. guanine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a strand of DNA, adenine always pairs with thymine through two hydrogen bonds. This pairing is a fundamental aspect of DNA structure, where adenine and thymine complement each other in the double helix. Choice A (cytosine) is incorrect because adenine does not pair with cytosine in DNA. Choice B (uracil) is incorrect as uracil is found in RNA, not DNA. Choice D (guanine) is incorrect as guanine pairs with cytosine, not adenine, in DNA.

5. The force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of air above that surface in the Earth's atmosphere is the ______.

• A. Atmospheric pressure
• B. Barometric density
• C. Aneroid pressure
• D. Barometric pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atmospheric pressure is the correct term for the force per unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of air above that surface in the Earth's atmosphere. It is commonly measured in units such as pascals, millibars, or inches of mercury. Barometric density and aneroid pressure are not accurate descriptions for this phenomenon. Barometric density refers to the density of the atmosphere at a particular location, while aneroid pressure is linked to a type of barometer but not a comprehensive term for the force exerted by the weight of air.

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