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 general formula for an alcohol?

• A. CₙH₂ₙ
• B. CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
• C. CₙH₂ₙ₋₁
• D. CₙH₂ₙO

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct general formula for an alcohol is CnH2n+1OH, which can be simplified to CnH2nO. In this formula, 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms, '2n' represents the number of hydrogen atoms, and 'O' represents the oxygen atom present in the hydroxyl group of the alcohol. Therefore, the correct general formula for an alcohol is CnH2nO. Choice A, CₙH₂ₙ, does not account for the oxygen atom, which is essential in alcohols. Choice B, CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, does not include the oxygen atom or the necessary hydrogen atoms for the hydroxyl group. Choice C, CₙH₂ₙ₋₁, lacks the oxygen atom and also does not fulfill the requirements of the hydroxyl group. Thus, the most accurate representation of the general formula for an alcohol is CnH2nO.

3. How many moles of water are produced when 0.5 moles of methane (CH4) react with excess oxygen?

• A. 0.5 moles
• B. 1 mole
• C. 2 moles
• D. 3 moles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane is: CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O. This equation shows that 1 mole of methane produces 2 moles of water. Therefore, when 0.5 moles of methane react, they will produce 1 mole of water. The ratio of water to methane is 2:1, meaning that for every mole of methane that reacts, it produces 2 moles of water. Since only 0.5 moles of methane are reacting, the amount of water produced will be half of what would be produced if 1 mole of methane reacted, resulting in 1 mole of water being produced. Choice A is incorrect because it does not consider the stoichiometry of the reaction. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not align with the balanced chemical equation and the stoichiometric ratios involved in the reaction.

4. Which level of protein structure is defined by the folds and coils of the protein's polypeptide backbone?

• A. Primary
• B. Secondary
• C. Tertiary
• D. Quaternary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Secondary. The secondary structure of a protein is defined by the folds and coils of the protein's polypeptide backbone. This level of structure is characterized by the formation of alpha helices and beta sheets, which are stabilized by hydrogen bonds between amino acids along the polypeptide chain. Choice A, Primary, refers to the linear sequence of amino acids in the protein. Choice C, Tertiary, involves the 3D folding of the entire polypeptide chain. Choice D, Quaternary, pertains to the arrangement of multiple polypeptide subunits in a protein complex.

5. In a covalent bond, the shared electrons:

• A. Are completely transferred to one atom.
• B. Spend more time closer to the more electronegative atom.
• C. Remain equidistant between the two atoms.
• D. Do not influence the bond strength.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a covalent bond, the shared electrons spend more time closer to the more electronegative atom. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. The more electronegative atom exerts a stronger pull on the shared electrons, causing them to be closer to that atom. Choice A is incorrect because in a covalent bond, electrons are shared, not completely transferred. Choice C is incorrect as the shared electrons are not equidistant but are closer to one atom due to electronegativity differences. Choice D is incorrect because shared electrons play a significant role in determining the bond strength by the strength of the bond formed through electron sharing.

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