Nursing Elites

1. When calcium chloride (CaCl2) dissolves in water, it separates into its ions (Ca2+ and Cl-). This is an example of:

• A. Chemical change
• B. Physical change
• C. Precipitation
• D. Neutralization

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When calcium chloride dissolves in water, it separates into its ions without forming a new substance, which is characteristic of a physical change. A physical change involves alterations in the substance's physical properties without changing its chemical composition. In this scenario, the chemical formula of calcium chloride remains unchanged, and only its physical state changes by creating ions in the solution. Therefore, the dissolution of calcium chloride in water is an example of a physical change. Choice A, 'Chemical change,' is incorrect because no new substances are formed during the dissolution process. Choice C, 'Precipitation,' is incorrect as precipitation involves the formation of an insoluble solid when two solutions react. Choice D, 'Neutralization,' is incorrect as it refers to a reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water, which is not the case in the given scenario.

2. 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.

3. What do isotopes of the same element have in common?

• A. Identical number of protons and neutrons.
• B. Identical chemical properties.
• C. Identical number of electrons.
• D. Identical mass number.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons, which defines the element, but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count results in isotopes of the same element having different mass numbers. Chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons in an atom, so isotopes of the same element may exhibit slightly different chemical behaviors due to different neutron numbers. The number of electrons can vary in isotopes, affecting their charge. However, the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons, is the same for isotopes of the same element. Therefore, the correct answer is that isotopes of the same element share an identical mass number.

4. Not all cells in the pancreas secrete insulin because of the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the release of insulin by all cells. What type of intercellular chemical signal does this illustrate?

• A. Autocrine
• B. Neuromodulator
• C. Paracrine
• D. Pheromone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paracrine. Somatostatin acts in a paracrine manner by inhibiting the release of insulin from nearby cells within the pancreas. Paracrine signaling involves the secretion of signals that act on neighboring cells, as seen in this scenario where somatostatin affects nearby pancreatic cells without entering the bloodstream or affecting distant cells. Autocrine signaling involves cells responding to substances they themselves release, which is not the case here. Neuromodulators are chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, not directly related to this scenario. Pheromones are chemicals released into the environment to communicate with individuals of the same species, not relevant to the signaling within the pancreas.

5. Which of the following nucleobases does not exist in RNA?

• A. Uracil
• B. Thymine
• C. Cytosine
• D. Guanine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Thymine'. Thymine is a nucleobase found in DNA but is replaced by uracil in RNA. RNA contains Uracil, Cytosine, and Guanine as its nucleobases. Cytosine and Guanine are present in both DNA and RNA, while Thymine is exclusive to DNA and Uracil is specific to RNA.

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