Nursing Elites

1. Which element is used in fire extinguishers to smother flames by displacing oxygen?

• A. Nitrogen
• B. Carbon dioxide
• C. Helium
• D. Argon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Carbon dioxide is the correct answer. It is used in fire extinguishers because it displaces oxygen, which is necessary for combustion. When carbon dioxide is released onto a fire, it reduces the oxygen concentration around the flames, effectively smothering the fire. This disruption of oxygen availability interrupts the chemical reaction that sustains the fire. Nitrogen (Choice A), helium (Choice C), and argon (Choice D) are not typically used in fire extinguishers for smothering flames by displacing oxygen. Nitrogen is an inert gas that can displace oxygen but is not as effective as carbon dioxide in fire suppression.

2. How many neutrons are in an atom of the following element with a mass number of 50?

• A. 38
• B. 88
• C. 50
• D. 126

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom along with protons. To determine the number of neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number. In this case, the mass number given is 50. Since the atomic number is not specified, we can infer it from the choices provided. The mass number of an element represents the total sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Therefore, the number of neutrons in this atom would also be 50, as the mass number is equivalent to the combined number of protons and neutrons, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not match the given mass number of 50.

3. Which of the following correctly matches a category of protein with a physiological example?

• A. Keratin is a structural protein
• B. Antigens are hormonal proteins
• C. Channel proteins are marker proteins
• D. Actin is a transport protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keratin is indeed a type of structural protein found in the skin, hair, and nails of animals. It provides strength and protection, helping to maintain the overall structure of these tissues. The other choices are incorrect as antigens are not hormonal proteins but rather are involved in immune response, channel proteins are involved in facilitating the transport of ions or molecules across cell membranes, and actin is primarily involved in cell structure and movement, not as a transport protein.

4. Which respiratory structure is responsible for the production of mucus to trap particles and for the movement of cilia to sweep mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract?

• A. Trachea
• B. Larynx
• C. Bronchi
• D. Respiratory epithelium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The respiratory epithelium is the correct answer because it is the tissue lining the respiratory tract responsible for producing mucus to trap particles and containing cilia that sweep the mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract. The trachea, larynx, and bronchi are all structures within the respiratory system but do not specifically carry out the functions described in the question. The trachea is a passage for air, the larynx is involved in sound production and protecting the airway, and the bronchi are airway passages that branch from the trachea to the lungs. Only the respiratory epithelium fits the description of producing mucus and utilizing cilia for particle removal in the respiratory tract.

5. 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.

Similar Questions