Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following best describes the term homeostasis?

• A. The ability to maintain a constant body temperature
• B. The ability to maintain a stable internal environment
• C. The ability to increase body temperature when cold
• D. The ability to regulate blood glucose levels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'The ability to maintain a stable internal environment.' Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to regulate and maintain a stable internal environment, which includes variables like body temperature, pH levels, and fluid balance. It involves processes that help keep the body's internal conditions within a narrow range, despite external changes. While maintaining body temperature is a component of homeostasis, it is not the complete definition of the term. Choice C, 'The ability to increase body temperature when cold,' is incorrect as homeostasis aims to maintain stability rather than promoting temperature increases in response to external conditions. Choice D, 'The ability to regulate blood glucose levels,' is also incorrect as this is a specific function related to glucose homeostasis, which is a part of overall homeostatic processes but not the sole definition of homeostasis itself.

2. Myelin sheath is a fatty substance that insulates and protects the long extensions of some nerve cells. It is produced by:

• A. Schwann cells
• B. Astrocytes
• C. Neurons
• D. Oligodendrocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Schwann cells are indeed responsible for producing the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system. These cells wrap around axons to form the myelin sheath, which enhances the speed of nerve impulse conduction. In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing the myelin sheath. Astrocytes provide support and maintenance functions for neurons, while neurons are the nerve cells themselves and do not produce myelin. Therefore, the correct answer is Schwann cells as they are specifically involved in myelin production in the peripheral nervous system.

3. Two mice are both heterozygous for two traits: white fur (Ww) and short fur (Ss). Their offspring are most likely to have which of the following genotypes for these traits?

• A. wwss
• B. WWSS
• C. WwSs
• D. WWSs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When two mice that are heterozygous for white fur (Ww) and short fur (Ss) mate, they can produce offspring with different combinations of the two traits. The Punnett square for this cross shows that the most likely genotype for the offspring is WwSs. In this case, each offspring receives one allele for white fur (W) and one for short fur (S) from each parent, resulting in a heterozygous genotype for both traits. Choice A (wwss) is incorrect as it represents a homozygous recessive genotype for both traits. Choice B (WWSS) is also incorrect as it represents a homozygous dominant genotype for both traits. Choice D (WWSs) is incorrect as it represents a genotype where one trait is homozygous dominant (W) and the other is heterozygous (S), which is not the most likely outcome based on the given parental genotypes.

4. An atom has 17 protons, 20 neutrons, and 17 electrons. What is its mass, in amu?

• A. 17
• B. 20
• C. 37
• D. 54

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The atomic mass of an atom is the sum of the protons and neutrons in its nucleus. In this case, the atom has 17 protons and 20 neutrons, totaling 37 particles in the nucleus. Electrons are not considered in the atomic mass calculation as their mass is negligible compared to protons and neutrons. Therefore, the mass of the atom in atomic mass units (amu) is 37.

5. What is the process of separating a mixture based on the different boiling points of its components called?

• A. Filtration
• B. Chromatography
• C. Distillation
• D. Centrifugation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Distillation is the process of separating a mixture based on the different boiling points of its components. During distillation, the mixture is heated to vaporize the component with the lowest boiling point first. The vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid, allowing for the collection of fractions with different boiling ranges. This technique is effective for separating components that have significantly different boiling points. Filtration (Choice A) is a method used to separate solids from liquids or gases using a filter medium. Chromatography (Choice B) is a technique used to separate components of a mixture based on their differential affinities to a stationary phase and a mobile phase. Centrifugation (Choice D) is a process of separating particles from a solution based on differences in size, shape, density, and viscosity by spinning the mixture at high speeds.

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