Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary purpose of a placebo in an experiment?

• A. To reduce the cost of the experiment.
• B. To make the experiment double-blind.
• C. To increase the number of participants.
• D. To serve as a control for comparison with the treatment group.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A placebo serves as a control for comparison with the treatment group, helping to eliminate bias and ensure the results are due to the treatment itself. Placebos are crucial in research to distinguish the actual effect of the treatment from psychological or subjective factors. Choice A is incorrect because the purpose of a placebo is not related to reducing the cost of the experiment. Choice B is incorrect because while placebos are used in double-blind studies, their primary purpose is not to make the experiment double-blind. Choice C is incorrect because the purpose of a placebo is not to increase the number of participants but rather to serve as a comparison group for the treatment being tested.

2. Your friend Carrie took a daily supplement of vitamin C and tells you that she feels a lot better. Her statement to you is best described as what?

• A. an anecdote
• B. theory
• C. interpretation
• D. conclusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'an anecdote.' An anecdote is a personal account or experience, not necessarily backed by scientific evidence. In this case, Carrie's statement about feeling better after taking vitamin C is based on her personal experience and does not constitute scientific evidence or a generalizable conclusion. Choice B, 'theory,' would imply a systematic explanation based on scientific evidence, which is not the case here. Choice C, 'interpretation,' typically involves explaining or understanding something based on available information, not a personal account. Choice D, 'conclusion,' would be a general statement derived from specific information or facts, which is not applicable in this context.

3. What is one major weakness of a laboratory-based study?

• A. The costs are typically prohibitive.
• B. Findings are difficult to replicate.
• C. Results from animal testing cannot be applied to human beings.
• D. Experimental variables cannot be easily controlled.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: One major weakness of laboratory-based studies is that results from animal testing cannot always be applied to human beings. This limitation arises due to the inherent biological differences between animals and humans, making the generalization of findings challenging. While costs may be a concern in some cases, they do not represent a universal weakness of laboratory-based studies. Findings in such studies can be replicated to ensure validity, and experimental variables can be effectively controlled in a laboratory setting. Choice C is the correct answer because the translatability of results from animal studies to humans is a significant challenge in laboratory-based research, impacting the direct application of findings to human health and well-being.

4. Following diarrhea, which foods should be offered to the school-age child?

• A. Apricots and peaches
• B. Chocolate milk
• C. Applesauce and milk
• D. Bananas and rice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a bout of diarrhea, it is important to offer foods that are gentle on the stomach and help in recovery. Bananas and rice are commonly recommended as they are easily digestible and can help firm up stools. Apricots, peaches, and applesauce may be too acidic and fibrous, potentially aggravating the stomach. Chocolate milk is high in sugar and can worsen diarrhea due to its lactose content.

5. What is one benefit of using controls in an experiment?

• A. The size of the groups does not matter.
• B. The subjects are unaware of the experiment's details.
• C. The subjects who are treated are balanced against the placebos.
• D. The subjects are similar in all respects except for the treatment being tested.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Controls in an experiment ensure that the subjects are similar in all respects except for the treatment being tested. This allows for a fair comparison between the treatment group and the control group. Choice A is incorrect because the size of the groups is not the primary benefit of using controls. Choice B is incorrect as blinding, not controls, refers to subjects not knowing about the experiment. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains more to randomization than the use of controls.

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