Nursing Elites

1. The number of protons in an atom determines its:

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Atomic weight
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is known as the atomic number. The atomic number uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. It is a fundamental property of an element and directly influences its chemical behavior and interactions. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, not just protons. Atomic weight is the average mass of an element's isotopes considering their relative abundance, not solely based on the number of protons. Valence electron count refers to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, influencing its ability to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions, but it is not determined by the number of protons in the atom.

2. Which type of joint allows for the widest range of motion, similar to the shoulder joint?

• A. Hinge joint
• B. Ball-and-socket joint
• C. Gliding joint
• D. Fixed joint

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ball-and-socket joint. Ball-and-socket joints, like the shoulder joint, allow for the widest range of motion in multiple directions. This type of joint consists of a rounded bone (the 'ball') fitting into a cup-like socket, enabling movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. Choice A, Hinge joint, allows movement in one plane, like a door hinge, and does not offer the same range of motion as a ball-and-socket joint. Choice C, Gliding joint, permits limited motion in various directions but not as wide as a ball-and-socket joint. Choice D, Fixed joint, does not allow any motion as it is immovable, unlike the shoulder joint which is highly mobile.

3. When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:

• A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
• B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
• C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
• D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

4. Blood type is a trait determined by multiple alleles, with IA coding for A blood, IB coding for B blood, and i coding for O blood being recessive. If an individual with A heterozygosity and an O individual have a child, what is the probability that the child will have A blood?

• A. 25%
• B. 50%
• C. 75%
• D. 100%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an A heterozygote individual (IAi) and an O individual (ii) have a child, there are four possible combinations of alleles that the child can inherit: IA from the A parent and i from the O parent; IA from the A parent and i from the O parent; i from the A parent and i from the O parent; i from the A parent and i from the O parent. Out of these combinations, 50% of the offspring will inherit the A allele from the A parent, resulting in A blood type. Therefore, the correct answer is 50%. Choice A is incorrect because the probability is not 25%. Choice C is incorrect as it overestimates the likelihood. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a certainty which is not the case in genetics.

5. Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood back to the heart?

• A. Pulmonary vein
• B. Pulmonary artery
• C. Aorta
• D. Superior vena cava

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corrected question is asking for a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood back to the heart. The pulmonary vein is the correct choice as it carries oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart during systemic circulation. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body. The superior vena cava returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body back to the heart.

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