Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following describes an experiment?

• A. The final math grades for a group of students passing through each year of elementary school are examined.
• B. The health trends of smokers in a small random sample are examined.
• C. Citizens in a local community are surveyed to determine concerns related to the next election.
• D. The effects of a new drug are tested on a group of participants.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D describes an experiment because it involves testing the effects of a new drug on a group of participants. In an experiment, researchers intentionally manipulate an independent variable (in this case, the new drug) to observe its effects on a dependent variable (the participants' health outcomes). This method allows for establishing cause-and-effect relationships between variables, which is a key characteristic of experimental research design. Choices A, B, and C do not represent experiments. Choice A involves observational analysis of math grades, choice B involves observational analysis of health trends, and choice C involves a survey, none of which involve manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

2. The shimmering image of water seen on a hot road is a well-known example of:

• A. Reflection
• B. Refraction
• C. Interference
• D. Polarization

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shimmering image of water seen on a hot road is a result of refraction, not reflection. Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another of different optical density. In this case, the hot air just above the road has a different density than the cooler air above it, causing light to bend and create the illusion of water on the road. Refraction is the most suitable explanation for this phenomenon, as it involves the bending of light rays due to the change in the medium's optical density, producing the visual effect observed on the hot road. Reflection, interference, and polarization do not involve the bending of light due to changes in optical density and are not applicable to the scenario described on the hot road.

3. What is the name for the hard, protective protein that makes up hair and nails?

• A. Collagen
• B. Keratin
• C. Elastin
• D. Fibrin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Keratin is the correct answer as it is the hard, protective protein that comprises hair and nails. Collagen is a different type of protein found in connective tissues, providing structure and support. Elastin imparts elasticity to tissues, allowing them to stretch and recoil. Fibrin is a protein involved in the blood clotting process and is not related to the structure of hair and nails. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect in the context of the question.

4. The acceleration of a falling object due to gravity has been proven to be 9.8 m/s^2. A scientist drops a cactus four times and measures the acceleration with an accelerometer and gets the following results: 9.79 m/s^2, 9.81 m/s^2, 9.80 m/s^2, and 9.78 m/s^2. Which of the following accurately describes the measurements?

• A. They're both accurate and precise.
• B. They're accurate but not precise.
• C. They're precise but not accurate.
• D. They're neither accurate nor precise.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The measurements are close to the true value of 9.8 m/s^2 and are also close to each other, indicating both accuracy and precision. Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision refers to how close repeated measurements are to each other. In this case, the measurements are accurate because they are close to the accepted value of 9.8 m/s^2, and they are precise because they are clustered closely around each other. Therefore, choice A, 'They're both accurate and precise,' is the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because the measurements are precise as they are close to each other, but they are also accurate as they are close to the true value. Choice C is incorrect because the measurements are accurate as they are close to the true value, and choice D is incorrect because the measurements exhibit both accuracy and precision in this scenario.

5. What is the most basic unit of structure in living things?

• A. Cell
• B. Organelle
• C. Oxygen
• D. Pigment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cell is indeed the most basic unit of life, forming the foundation of all living organisms. Cells are the building blocks of all living things, containing organelles that perform specific functions. While oxygen is essential for life, it is not a structural unit. Similarly, pigment is a component found within cells but is not the fundamental unit of structure. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Cell.'

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