Nursing Elites

1. What does the phrase 'survival of the fittest' refer to?

• A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
• C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
• D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

2. An uncharged atom has an electron configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 and a mass number of 14. How many protons does it have?

• A. 14
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (6 protons). The electron configuration provided corresponds to the element carbon, which has 6 protons. The mass number does not affect the number of protons in an atom, so despite the mass number of 14, the atom still contains 6 protons. Choice A (14) is incorrect because the mass number does not determine the number of protons. Choices C (8) and D (12) are incorrect as they do not match the number of protons in a carbon atom.

3. Which of the following is the cartilaginous flap that protects the larynx from water or food while still allowing the flow of air?

• A. epiglottis
• B. bronchioles
• C. epithelium
• D. tongue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The epiglottis is the cartilaginous flap that protects the larynx from water or food while still allowing the flow of air. When we swallow, the epiglottis covers the entrance to the larynx, preventing food or liquid from entering the airway and instead directing them towards the esophagus for digestion. Choice B, bronchioles, are small airway branches within the lungs and are not involved in protecting the larynx from food or water. Choice C, epithelium, refers to the tissue that lines the surfaces of organs and structures in the body, but it is not the specific structure that protects the larynx as described. Choice D, tongue, plays a role in taste, speech, and swallowing, but it is not the cartilaginous flap that protects the larynx.

4. Which element has the highest melting point of any element?

• A. Tungsten
• B. Iron
• C. Platinum
• D. Carbon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Among the choices provided, carbon, in the form of diamond, has the highest melting point of any element. Diamond's strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms make it incredibly resistant to heat and pressure, giving it the highest melting point compared to tungsten, iron, and platinum. Tungsten is known for its high melting point among metals but not as high as carbon. Iron and platinum have lower melting points compared to carbon, making them incorrect choices in this context.

5. What is an isotope? For any given element, it is an atom with which of the following?

• A. a different atomic number
• B. a different number of protons
• C. a different number of electrons
• D. a different mass number

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An isotope of an element is an atom with a different number of neutrons, resulting in a different mass number. Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons (which determines the element's identity) but differ in the number of neutrons, leading to variations in mass numbers. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same atomic number. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same number of electrons.

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