Nursing Elites

1. What is the name for the smallest amount of an element that can exist independently and retain its chemical properties?

• A. Atom
• B. Molecule
• C. Compound
• D. Mixture

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Atom.' An atom is the fundamental unit of an element that can exist independently and retain its unique chemical properties. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons. Choice B, 'Molecule,' is incorrect because a molecule is a combination of two or more atoms bonded together. Choice C, 'Compound,' is incorrect as a compound is a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more different elements. Choice D, 'Mixture,' is incorrect since a mixture is a blend of two or more substances physically combined, but the individual components retain their properties.

2. In a covalent bond, the shared electrons:

• A. Are completely transferred to one atom.
• B. Spend more time closer to the more electronegative atom.
• C. Remain equidistant between the two atoms.
• D. Do not influence the bond strength.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a covalent bond, the shared electrons spend more time closer to the more electronegative atom. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. The more electronegative atom exerts a stronger pull on the shared electrons, causing them to be closer to that atom. Choice A is incorrect because in a covalent bond, electrons are shared, not completely transferred. Choice C is incorrect as the shared electrons are not equidistant but are closer to one atom due to electronegativity differences. Choice D is incorrect because shared electrons play a significant role in determining the bond strength by the strength of the bond formed through electron sharing.

3. Which statement accurately describes the periodic trends in atomic radius?

• A. Increases down a group and decreases across a period
• B. Decreases down a group and increases across a period
• C. Remains constant throughout the table
• D. Fluctuates unpredictably based on individual elements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement is that atomic radius increases down a group and decreases across a period. When moving down a group, additional electron shells increase the distance from the nucleus, leading to larger atomic radii. On the other hand, when moving across a period, the number of electron shells remains constant, but the increasing nuclear charge pulls electrons closer, resulting in smaller radii. Choice B is incorrect because atomic radius does not decrease down a group and increase across a period. Choice C is incorrect because atomic radius does not remain constant; it exhibits specific trends. Choice D is incorrect because atomic radius follows predictable trends based on the periodic table structure, rather than fluctuating unpredictably.

4. Which of the following is NOT one of the major types of bones in the human body?

• A. Dense bone
• B. Long bone
• C. Short bone
• D. Irregular bone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Dense bone'. Dense bone is not a classification of bone types in the human body. The major types of bones include long, short, flat, and irregular bones. Long bones, like the femur, are characterized by being longer than they are wide. Short bones, such as those in the wrist (carpals) and ankle (tarsals), are generally cube-shaped. Flat bones, like the skull or scapula, are thin and provide protection. Irregular bones, such as the vertebrae, have complex shapes that do not fit into the other categories.

5. Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through which of the following structures?

• A. Schwann cell
• B. ganglion
• C. synapse
• D. axon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through a structure called the synapse. The synapse is a specialized junction where the axon of one neuron meets the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal between the two neurons. Choice A, Schwann cell, is incorrect as Schwann cells are responsible for producing myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system, not for transmitting neurotransmitters between neurons. Choice B, ganglion, is incorrect as ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system and do not directly participate in the transmission of chemical messages between neurons. Choice D, axon, is incorrect as the axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, but it is not the structure across which neurotransmitters travel to communicate between neurons.

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