Nursing Elites

1. Glial cells support and protect neurons within the central and peripheral nervous system. What are they called?

• A. Astrocytes
• B. Neuroglia
• C. Oligodendrocytes
• D. Schwann cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that provide support and protection for neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. While the term 'Neuroglia' is often used to refer to glial cells collectively, in this context, the question specifically asks for the name of the cells, making 'Astrocytes' the correct answer. Choice B, 'Neuroglia,' is a general term for all glial cells, not a specific type. Choices C and D, 'Oligodendrocytes' and 'Schwann cells,' are also types of glial cells but are not the primary cells responsible for supporting and protecting neurons as described in the question.

2. When animals eat, insulin is released from the pancreas, stimulating glucose uptake by the liver. When glucose levels drop, the pancreas reduces insulin release. This is an example of which mechanism for maintaining homeostasis?

• A. Negative feedback.
• B. Positive feedback.
• C. Stress response.
• D. Parasympathetic regulation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This mechanism is an example of negative feedback. Negative feedback systems work to counteract changes in the body and maintain a stable internal environment (homeostasis). In this case, the release of insulin in response to high glucose levels is followed by a reduction in insulin release when glucose levels drop. This response helps regulate glucose levels and return them to a normal range, demonstrating the characteristic of negative feedback where the body's response opposes the initial stimulus to maintain equilibrium. Positive feedback would amplify the initial change rather than counteract it, so it is not the correct choice. Stress response and parasympathetic regulation are not directly involved in this glucose regulation process, making them incorrect choices.

3. An uncharged atom has an electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² and a mass number of 14. How many protons does it have?

• A. 14
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is determined by the atomic number, which is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus. The electron configuration given corresponds to carbon (C) with 6 protons. The atomic number of an element is the same as the number of protons in its nucleus, so in this case, the atom has 6 protons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not correspond to the correct number of protons for an atom with the given electron configuration and mass number. Therefore, option B, 6 protons, is the correct answer.

4. What is the difference between a phylum and a class?

• A. Phylums are broader and more general
• B. Classes are broader and more general
• C. They are synonyms, used for the same groups
• D. Phylums are for plants, classes are for animals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In biological classification, a phylum is a higher taxonomic rank than a class. A phylum is a broader category that encompasses multiple classes within it. It represents a group of organisms sharing a common body plan or evolutionary history. On the other hand, a class is a more specific category within a phylum that includes organisms with similar characteristics. Therefore, phyla are broader and more general compared to classes. Choice B is incorrect because classes are more specific categories within phyla. Choice C is incorrect as phyla and classes are distinct hierarchical levels in taxonomy. Choice D is incorrect because phyla and classes are not restricted to specific types of organisms; they can apply to various organisms across the biological kingdom.

5. In the electron cloud model, electrons occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities. This model depicts electrons existing in distinct energy levels, not fixed orbits, with probabilities of finding them in specific regions.

• A. 2 protons and 6 neutrons
• B. 2 filled s orbitals and 6 filled p orbitals
• C. 2s orbitals with 2 and 6 electrons, respectively
• D. 4 filled electron shells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The electron cloud model describes electrons existing in distinct energy levels, not fixed orbits. Option C correctly describes the electron configuration of an atom with 2s orbitals containing 2 electrons and 6 electrons in the 2p orbitals. This configuration aligns with the electron cloud model where electrons are found in specific energy levels with varying probabilities. Options A, B, and D do not accurately represent the electron cloud model.

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