Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes the statement 'This flower is dead; someone must have forgotten to water it'?

• A. A classification
• B. An observation
• C. An inference
• D. A collection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: An inference.' An inference is a conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning. In this statement, the conclusion that someone must have forgotten to water the flower is drawn from the evidence that the flower is dead. Choice A, 'A classification,' is incorrect because the statement does not involve categorizing or grouping. Choice B, 'An observation,' is incorrect as the statement goes beyond just stating a fact and makes a conclusion. Choice D, 'A collection,' is unrelated to the process of drawing a conclusion based on the given evidence.

2. Deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen, has a nucleus containing:

• A. A single proton
• B. A proton and a neutron
• C. Two protons and an electron
• D. Two neutrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Deuterium, as an isotope of hydrogen, has an atomic number of 1 and a mass number of 2. The nucleus of deuterium contains one proton (as in all hydrogen atoms) and one neutron, totaling 2 nucleons in the nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is that deuterium's nucleus contains a proton and a neutron. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Deuterium is not just a single proton (A), doesn't have two protons and an electron (C), and doesn't contain two neutrons (D). The correct composition of deuterium's nucleus is one proton and one neutron.

3. Which of the following is a constant?

• A. The number of protons in an oxygen atom
• B. The temperature at which iron ore will melt
• C. The human population size
• D. The time the sun rises each day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The number of protons in an oxygen atom is a constant. This value is determined by the atomic number of the element and does not change regardless of the isotope of oxygen. The number of protons defines the element and remains consistent under normal conditions. Choices B, C, and D are not constants. The temperature at which iron ore will melt can vary depending on factors like pressure, the human population size is constantly changing, and the time the sun rises each day varies with the seasons and location.

4. What is the primary function of the pyloric sphincter?

• A. to regulate the movement of food material from the stomach to the duodenum
• B. to neutralize stomach acid
• C. to prevent digested food materials and stomach acid from entering the esophagus
• D. to begin the process of chemical digestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the pyloric sphincter is to regulate the flow of partially digested food material (chyme) from the stomach into the small intestine, specifically the duodenum. This control is essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because neutralizing stomach acid is primarily the function of the stomach lining and antacid mechanisms. Choice C is incorrect because preventing the backflow of digested food materials and stomach acid into the esophagus is mainly the role of the lower esophageal sphincter. Choice D is incorrect because the chemical digestion process primarily starts in the stomach through the action of gastric juices, not the pyloric sphincter.

5. What is the initial step of the scientific method?

• A. construct a hypothesis
• B. make observations
• C. analyze data
• D. form a question

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The first step of the scientific method is to make observations. This involves collecting data and information about a specific phenomenon or problem. Observations serve as the basis for developing a question to be explored further. Forming a hypothesis (Choice A) comes after making observations, as the hypothesis is an educated guess to explain the observations. Analyzing data (Choice C) occurs later in the scientific method after data has been collected and experiments conducted. Forming a question (Choice D) is a crucial step but typically follows observations in the scientific process.

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