Nursing Elites

1. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

• A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
• B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
• C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
• D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

2. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons, preventing them from becoming overexcited?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. GABA
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, thus preventing overexcitation. Acetylcholine (choice A) is involved in muscle control and cognitive function, but it is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity. Dopamine (choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control, rather than inhibiting neuronal firing. Serotonin (choice D) is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite but does not primarily slow down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

3. According to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) ranking system, which functional group has the highest priority?

• A. Alcohol (OH)
• B. Aldehyde (CHO)
• C. Carboxylic Acid (COOH)
• D. Amine (NH2)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) ranking system, functional groups are prioritized based on the atomic number of the atoms directly attached to the functional group. Carboxylic acid (COOH) holds the highest priority as the carbon atom is directly bonded to two oxygen atoms, which have higher atomic numbers compared to carbon, hydrogen, or nitrogen. The higher the atomic number of the attached atoms, the higher the priority of the functional group in the CIP ranking system. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they have lower atomic numbers in the atoms directly attached to them, making them lower in priority according to the CIP system.

4. Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver?

• A. nutrient processing
• B. blood filtration and detoxification
• C. cholesterol and lipoprotein production
• D. insulin production and blood sugar regulation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The liver does not produce insulin; instead, insulin is produced by the pancreas. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose but does not directly produce insulin. Choices A, B, and C are functions of the liver. Nutrient processing, blood filtration, detoxification, cholesterol, and lipoprotein production are essential roles performed by the liver to maintain overall metabolic balance and health.

5. What is the term for the distance between the center of a lens or curved mirror and its focal point?

• A. Aperture
• B. Focal length
• C. Refractive index
• D. Lens thickness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Focal length. Focal length is the distance between the center of a lens or curved mirror and its focal point. It determines how strongly the lens converges or diverges light, affecting the image formation. Aperture, choice A, refers to the opening through which light enters the lens, controlling the amount of light passing through. Refractive index, choice C, measures how much light bends when passing through a medium, affecting the speed of light. Lens thickness, choice D, is the physical dimension of the lens, influencing optical properties and compatibility with frames.

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