Nursing Elites

1. The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear

• A. Pink
• B. Blue
• C. Red
• D. Purple

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.

2. What is a reaction between an acid and a base known as?

• A. Precipitation
• B. Neutralization
• C. Oxidation-reduction
• D. Photolysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Neutralization. When an acid and a base react, they neutralize each other's properties, resulting in the formation of water and a salt. Choice A, 'Precipitation,' refers to the formation of a solid from a solution during a chemical reaction. Choice C, 'Oxidation-reduction,' involves the transfer of electrons between reactants. Choice D, 'Photolysis,' is a reaction where a compound is broken down into smaller components by light energy. Therefore, the most appropriate term for a reaction between an acid and a base is neutralization.

3. Imagine you have an element with atomic number 20 and mass number 40. How many neutrons does it have?

• A. 20
• B. 40
• C. 10
• D. 20

Correct answer: C

Rationale: - The atomic number (Z) represents the number of protons in an atom. In this case, the atomic number is 20. - The mass number (A) represents the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom. In this case, the mass number is 40. - To find the number of neutrons, you subtract the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number. - Neutrons = 40 - 20 = 20. - Therefore, the element with atomic number 20 and mass number 40 has 20 neutrons.

4. What phenomenon is responsible for the creation of rainbows?

• A. Reflection only
• B. Diffraction
• C. Refraction and reflection
• D. Polarization

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rainbows are created by both refraction and reflection of sunlight within water droplets in the atmosphere. When sunlight enters a water droplet, it is refracted, then internally reflected, and finally refracted again as it exits the droplet. This process causes the separation of light into its component colors and the formation of a rainbow. Choice A is incorrect because rainbows are not solely formed by reflection. Choice B, diffraction, is not the primary phenomenon responsible for rainbows. Choice D, polarization, is not directly involved in the creation of rainbows. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

5. Which of the following describes a reflex arc?

• A. The storage and recall of memory
• B. The maintenance of visual and auditory acuity
• C. The autoregulation of heart rate and blood pressure
• D. A stimulus and response controlled by the spinal cord

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D correctly describes a reflex arc. A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex action. It involves a specific sequence of events that occur in response to a stimulus, which is rapidly and involuntarily processed by the spinal cord. The spinal cord coordinates the quick processing of sensory input and the generation of a motor response without involving the brain, allowing for rapid protective responses. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe a reflex arc. A reflex arc is specifically related to the rapid and involuntary response to a stimulus through neural pathways involving the spinal cord, not memory storage, visual and auditory acuity maintenance, or heart rate and blood pressure autoregulation.

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