Nursing Elites

1. What are organisms that break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the environment called?

• A. Producers
• B. Decomposers
• C. Consumers
• D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are essential organisms in the ecosystem as they break down dead organisms and organic matter, such as bacteria, fungi, and some insects. By decomposing complex organic materials into simpler forms, they release nutrients back into the environment for other organisms to utilize. Producers (option A) are organisms that generate their own food through photosynthesis; consumers (option C) are organisms that feed on other organisms for energy, and parasites (option D) are organisms that live on or in another organism, benefiting at the host's expense rather than breaking down dead organisms for nutrient recycling.

2. What is the outermost layer of the dermis, rich in collagen and elastin fibers that provide elasticity to the skin?

• A. Papillary layer
• B. Reticular layer
• C. Stratum basale
• D. Stratum corneum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the reticular layer. This layer is the outermost layer of the dermis that contains abundant collagen and elastin fibers, providing elasticity to the skin. The papillary layer is located beneath the epidermis and is responsible for supplying nutrients to the epidermis, not the outermost layer. The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are produced, not part of the dermis. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis composed of dead skin cells, not a layer of the dermis.

3. Which of the following is an example of a chemical property of matter?

• A. Boiling point
• B. Flammability
• C. Density
• D. Conductivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Flammability is an example of a chemical property of matter because it describes how a substance reacts with oxygen in the air to produce heat and light. Chemical properties involve the ability of a substance to undergo a chemical change or reaction, such as burning. Boiling point, density, and conductivity are examples of physical properties, not chemical properties. Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas, density is the mass of a substance per unit volume, and conductivity is the ability to conduct electricity. Therefore, flammability best exemplifies a chemical property as it pertains to the substance's reaction with oxygen, while the other options are physical properties that describe characteristics without changing the substance's chemical composition.

4. The adrenal cortex produces a group of steroid hormones called corticosteroids. What is a MAJOR function of corticosteroids?

• A. Regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels
• B. Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance
• C. Stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response
• D. Promote growth and development during puberty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corticosteroids, produced by the adrenal cortex, primarily function to control blood pressure and electrolyte balance. One of the key corticosteroids, aldosterone, plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. This regulation is essential for maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because corticosteroids do not primarily regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response, or promote growth and development during puberty. While corticosteroids can have effects on insulin sensitivity, immune response, and growth, their major role is in maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

5. Are red hair and a height of six feet part of an individual's genotype or phenotype?

• A. Red hair is part of the phenotype; height is part of the genotype.
• B. Red hair is part of the genotype; height is part of the phenotype.
• C. Both characteristics describe his genotype.
• D. Both characteristics describe his phenotype.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of genetics, genotype refers to an individual's genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to the observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of the genotype with the environment. Red hair and a height of six feet are observable characteristics, making them part of the individual's phenotype. Therefore, both red hair and height are aspects of the individual's phenotype. Choices A and B are incorrect as they incorrectly assign one characteristic to the genotype and the other to the phenotype, which is not accurate. Choice C is incorrect as it states that both characteristics describe the genotype, which is inaccurate as they are observable traits. The correct answer is D, as both red hair and height are observable traits or characteristics, falling under the definition of phenotype in genetics.

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