Nursing Elites

1. Deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen, has a nucleus containing:

• A. A single proton
• B. A proton and a neutron
• C. Two protons and an electron
• D. Two neutrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Deuterium, as an isotope of hydrogen, has an atomic number of 1 and a mass number of 2. The nucleus of deuterium contains one proton (as in all hydrogen atoms) and one neutron, totaling 2 nucleons in the nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is that deuterium's nucleus contains a proton and a neutron. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Deuterium is not just a single proton (A), doesn't have two protons and an electron (C), and doesn't contain two neutrons (D). The correct composition of deuterium's nucleus is one proton and one neutron.

2. What is the function of the alveoli in the lungs?

• A. To exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen
• B. To transport air to the lungs
• C. To filter blood
• D. To produce mucus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corrected answer is A: 'To exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen.' The alveoli in the lungs are responsible for facilitating gas exchange, where oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. This process is vital for respiration and maintaining proper oxygen levels in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the alveoli are not involved in transporting air to the lungs; they are primarily responsible for gas exchange. Choice C is incorrect because the alveoli do not filter blood; their main function is gas exchange. Choice D is incorrect because alveoli do not produce mucus; mucus is produced by other specialized cells in the respiratory system.

3. What is the main function of vacuoles in plant cells?

• A. To provide structural support for the cell
• B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
• C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
• D. To store water, enzymes, and waste products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vacuoles in plant cells primarily function as storage organelles. They store water, enzymes, pigments, and waste products, helping to maintain turgor pressure within the cell. This turgor pressure provides structural support for the plant cell. While vacuoles can also participate in transporting substances within the cell, their main role is storage. The synthesis of proteins and lipids is mainly handled by other organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Choice A is incorrect because while vacuoles indirectly contribute to structural support by maintaining turgor pressure, their primary function is storage. Choice B is incorrect as vacuoles are not primarily responsible for transporting substances in and out of the cell. Choice C is incorrect as vacuoles do not synthesize proteins and lipids; this function is carried out by other organelles.

4. How do vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop memory without causing full-blown illness? What type of molecule in a vaccine typically triggers the immune response?

• A. Toxins produced by the pathogen
• B. Live, attenuated (weakened) forms of the pathogen
• C. Inactivated (dead) forms of the pathogen
• D. Antigens (specific molecules) from the pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vaccines work by triggering the immune system to develop memory without causing illness. They typically contain antigens, which are specific molecules from the pathogen. These antigens stimulate the immune system to produce a targeted immune response without causing full-blown sickness. By presenting these antigens, vaccines help the immune system create memory cells that remember the pathogen. This memory allows the immune system to respond more effectively if it encounters the pathogen in the future. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because vaccines do not typically contain toxins, live pathogens, or inactivated forms of the pathogen. Instead, vaccines primarily rely on specific molecules (antigens) to induce an immune response.

5. What type of lens is thinner at the center than at the edges and causes light rays to diverge?

• A. Convex lens
• B. Concave lens
• C. Diverging lens
• D. Plano-convex lens

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A concave lens is thinner at the center than at the edges, causing light rays to diverge when passing through it. This type of lens is also known as a diverging lens because it causes light rays to spread out. Concave lenses are used in various optical devices to correct vision problems and in scientific instruments to diverge light rays for specific purposes. The other choices are incorrect. A convex lens is thicker at the center and converges light rays, while a plano-convex lens has one flat surface and one convex surface, converging light. Diverging lens is a general term that can refer to concave or plano-concave lenses, but in this context, the specific type being referred to is a concave lens.

Similar Questions