Nursing Elites

1. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

• A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
• B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
• C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
• D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

2. What is the length of DNA that can code for a particular protein?

• A. Chromosome
• B. Nucleotide
• C. Gene
• D. Ribosome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gene. A gene is a specific segment of DNA that contains the information necessary to produce a particular protein. Genes are responsible for coding proteins, and each gene carries the instructions for a specific protein. Chromosomes consist of many genes and are not a specific length that codes for a protein. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and are not a length that codes for a protein. Ribosomes are cellular organelles involved in protein synthesis and do not directly code for proteins.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following is an example of a decomposition reaction?

• A. 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
• B. CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
• C. 2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl
• D. N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A decomposition reaction involves a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler substances. In option B, CaCO3 breaks down into CaO and CO2, making it an example of a decomposition reaction. Options A, C, and D involve different types of chemical reactions such as synthesis, combination, and combustion, respectively. Option A represents a synthesis reaction, where two elements combine to form a compound. Option C demonstrates a combination reaction, where two elements combine to form a compound. Option D is an example of a synthesis reaction, where two reactants combine to form a single compound. It is important to recognize the specific characteristics of each type of chemical reaction to identify the correct example of decomposition reaction, where a compound breaks down into simpler products.

5. Which organ serves as the human body's command center, integrating sensory information and coordinating movement and vital functions?

• A. Lungs
• B. Brain
• C. Kidneys
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The brain is the human body's command center, responsible for integrating sensory information, coordinating movement, and regulating vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. While the lungs, kidneys, and stomach perform crucial functions in the body, they do not have the central role of serving as the command center for these essential bodily processes. The lungs are primarily involved in respiration, the kidneys in filtering blood and regulating fluid balance, and the stomach in digestion. However, none of these organs have the comprehensive control over sensory integration, movement coordination, and vital functions like the brain does.

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