Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the cell membrane?

• A. To protect the cell and control what enters and exits
• B. To store energy
• C. To produce proteins
• D. To synthesize lipids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, serves as a protective barrier for the cell, separating the internal environment of the cell from the external environment. It is selectively permeable, meaning it controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell. This regulation of what enters and exits the cell is crucial for maintaining the cell's internal environment and ensuring proper functioning. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because storing energy, producing proteins, and synthesizing lipids are functions carried out by other cellular structures such as mitochondria, ribosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively, not the cell membrane.

2. Which cavity contains all of the frontal cavities? Choose only ONE best answer.

• A. Dorsal
• B. Thoracic
• C. Abdominopelvic
• D. Ventral

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ventral. The ventral cavity includes both the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. The frontal cavities are part of the ventral cavity, which is located towards the front of the body, while the dorsal cavity is towards the back. The dorsal cavity contains the cranial and vertebral cavities, not the frontal cavities. The thoracic cavity is part of the ventral cavity but does not encompass all the frontal cavities. The abdominopelvic cavity is also part of the ventral cavity, but it does not include all of the frontal cavities. Therefore, the ventral cavity is the correct choice as it encompasses all the frontal cavities.

3. An atom has 2 protons, 4 neutrons, and 2 electrons. What is the approximate atomic mass of this atom?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 6
• D. 8

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The atomic mass of an atom is the sum of the protons and neutrons in its nucleus. In this case, the atom has 2 protons and 4 neutrons, totaling 6 particles in the nucleus. Therefore, the approximate atomic mass of this atom is 6, making choice C incorrect. The number of electrons does not significantly contribute to the atomic mass, as they are much lighter and located in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculation of atomic mass based on protons and neutrons only.

4. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

• A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
• B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
• C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
• D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

5. What is the difference between alpha decay and beta decay?

• A. Both release the same type of particle.
• B. Alpha decay releases a helium nucleus, while beta decay releases an electron or positron.
• C. Alpha decay is more common than beta decay.
• D. They both convert one element into another, but in different ways.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alpha decay involves the release of a helium nucleus, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. In contrast, beta decay releases an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay). This significant distinction in the particles emitted during the decay processes distinguishes alpha decay from beta decay. Choice A is incorrect because alpha and beta decay release different types of particles. Choice C is incorrect as beta decay is more common than alpha decay in many cases. Choice D is incorrect as it does not specifically address the particles released during alpha and beta decay.

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