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 term for the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Cardiac output
• D. Stroke volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Blood pressure is the term for the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Heart rate (A) is the number of times the heart beats per minute, cardiac output (C) is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, and stroke volume (D) is the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one contraction. Understanding blood pressure is crucial in assessing cardiovascular health and the risk of various conditions like hypertension.

3. Which of the following correctly describes a strong acid?

• A. A strong acid completely ionizes in water.
• B. A strong acid donates more than one proton.
• C. A strong acid contains at least one metal atom.
• D. A strong acid will not decompose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A strong acid is defined as an acid that completely ionizes in water, meaning it dissociates fully into its constituent ions in solution. This characteristic differentiates strong acids from weak acids, which do not fully dissociate in water. Choice B is incorrect because the number of protons donated does not solely define the strength of an acid. Choice C is incorrect as strong acids are not defined by the presence of metal atoms, and Choice D is incorrect because all acids can decompose, but the strength of the acid is based on its ability to ionize in water.

4. Tissues are groups of cells with similar:

• A. Appearance only
• B. Function and structure
• C. Location only
• D. Age only

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tissues are groups of cells that work together to perform a specific function. They have similar structures that enable them to carry out their specialized functions effectively. Therefore, tissues are defined by both their function and structure, making option B the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because tissues are not solely defined by their appearance, location, or age, but rather by the shared function and structure of the cells within them.

5. Which radioactive isotope is commonly used in medical imaging techniques such as PET scans?

• A. Uranium-235
• B. Plutonium-239
• C. Potassium-40
• D. Fluorine-18

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fluorine-18 is the radioactive isotope commonly used in medical imaging techniques such as PET scans. It is frequently used in the form of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to locate areas of heightened metabolic activity in the body, such as in cancer cells. Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 are not typically employed in medical imaging, and Potassium-40, while a naturally occurring radioactive isotope found in the human body, is not commonly used in medical imaging techniques.

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