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. What is the purpose of genetic counseling?

• A. To treat genetic disorders.
• B. To diagnose genetic diseases in newborns.
• C. To provide information and support to individuals and families with genetic risks.
• D. To collect DNA samples for research purposes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of genetic counseling is to provide information and support to individuals and families with genetic risks. Genetic counselors aim to explain the implications of genetic testing, discuss risks and options, and offer emotional and psychological support to help individuals make informed decisions regarding their genetic health. Choice A is incorrect because genetic counseling is not focused on treatment but rather on providing information and support. Choice B is incorrect as genetic counselors do not primarily diagnose genetic diseases in newborns but rather provide guidance and support based on existing diagnoses. Choice D is not the purpose of genetic counseling; genetic counselors do not collect DNA samples for research purposes but instead focus on assisting individuals and families in understanding and managing their genetic risks.

3. What is the process by which decomposers break down organic matter?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Bioremediation
• C. Decomposition
• D. Nitrification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This process is not related to the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers. B) Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to clean up contaminated environments. While it involves the use of microorganisms to break down pollutants, it is not specifically focused on breaking down organic matter. C) Decomposition is the process by which decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and other organisms break down organic matter into simpler substances. This process is essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems. D) Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia or ammonium to nitrite followed by the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria. This process is part of the nitrogen cycle and is not directly related to the breakdown of organic matter.

4. During vigorous exercise, why does the respiratory rate increase?

• A. Meet the increased demand for oxygen in working muscles
• B. Eliminate excess carbon dioxide more slowly
• C. Conserve energy for physical activity
• D. Decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to the body

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During vigorous exercise, the muscles require more oxygen to produce energy for physical activity. The increased respiratory rate helps to deliver more oxygen to the working muscles to meet this demand. This process is essential for sustaining physical activity and preventing fatigue. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the purpose of the increased respiratory rate during vigorous exercise. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B, 'Eliminate excess carbon dioxide more slowly,' is inaccurate as the primary reason for the increased respiratory rate during exercise is to meet the increased demand for oxygen, not to eliminate carbon dioxide. Choice C, 'Conserve energy for physical activity,' is incorrect because increasing the respiratory rate actually expends energy to meet the oxygen demand of the working muscles. Choice D, 'Decrease the amount of oxygen delivered to the body,' is incorrect as the increased respiratory rate is specifically to deliver more oxygen to the body during exercise.

5. The acceleration of a falling object due to gravity has been proven to be 9.8 m/s^2. A scientist drops a cactus four times and measures the acceleration with an accelerometer and gets the following results: 9.79 m/s^2, 9.81 m/s^2, 9.80 m/s^2, and 9.78 m/s^2. Which of the following accurately describes the measurements?

• A. They're both accurate and precise.
• B. They're accurate but not precise.
• C. They're precise but not accurate.
• D. They're neither accurate nor precise.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The measurements are close to the true value of 9.8 m/s^2 and are also close to each other, indicating both accuracy and precision. Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision refers to how close repeated measurements are to each other. In this case, the measurements are accurate because they are close to the accepted value of 9.8 m/s^2, and they are precise because they are clustered closely around each other. Therefore, choice A, 'They're both accurate and precise,' is the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because the measurements are precise as they are close to each other, but they are also accurate as they are close to the true value. Choice C is incorrect because the measurements are accurate as they are close to the true value, and choice D is incorrect because the measurements exhibit both accuracy and precision in this scenario.

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