Nursing Elites

1. What does the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determine?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is referred to as the atomic number. This atomic number is crucial as it uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Isotopes are variants of elements with the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons. Valence electron count pertains to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, which influences its chemical behavior.

2. Which type of immune cell does the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) target and destroy?

• A. Neutrophils
• B. Macrophages
• C. Helper T cells
• D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: HIV targets and destroys Helper T cells, which are vital for coordinating the immune response against infections. The destruction of Helper T cells weakens the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Neutrophils (Choice A) are primarily involved in acute inflammatory responses and fighting bacterial infections. Macrophages (Choice B) play a role in phagocytosis and antigen presentation but are not the primary target of HIV. Memory B cells (Choice D) are responsible for mounting a quicker and more robust antibody response upon re-exposure to a pathogen, but they are not the main target of HIV infection.

3. Which of the following can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections?

• A. Regular exercise
• B. Balanced diet
• C. Chronic stress
• D. Adequate sleep

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system by increasing the production of stress hormones like cortisol, which can suppress the immune response. This suppression can make individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Conversely, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep actually support a healthy immune system and help strengthen it. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are factors that generally contribute positively to the immune system. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are crucial for maintaining overall health and boosting the immune system rather than weakening it.

4. Which element is essential for the formation of hemoglobin?

• A. Calcium
• B. Iron
• C. Potassium
• D. Sodium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Iron. Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen throughout the body. Calcium (Choice A), Potassium (Choice C), and Sodium (Choice D) are not directly involved in the formation of hemoglobin and its oxygen-carrying function.

5. A botanist wants to determine if environmental temperature affects root growth. What is the independent variable in this study?

• A. Temperature
• B. Seedlings
• C. Light
• D. Root length

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Temperature.' In an experiment, the independent variable is the factor that is deliberately manipulated or changed by the researcher. In this study, the botanist is specifically investigating how environmental temperature affects root growth, making temperature the independent variable. Choice B, 'Seedlings,' and Choice C, 'Light,' are not the independent variables in this context as they are not the factors being intentionally changed or manipulated. Choice D, 'Root length,' is the dependent variable, as it is the outcome that is being measured or observed in response to the changes in the independent variable, temperature.

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