1. Which of the following is a MAJOR consequence of a stroke?

A. Irregular heart rhythm.
B. Rapid weight gain or loss.
C. Brain damage due to interrupted blood flow.
D. Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Brain damage due to interrupted blood flow.' A stroke occurs when there is a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain, leading to brain damage. This interruption can result in various consequences such as paralysis, speech and vision problems, cognitive impairments, and in severe cases, even death. Other options like 'Irregular heart rhythm' (A) and 'Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness' (D) can be associated with health conditions but are not direct consequences of a stroke. 'Rapid weight gain or loss' (B) is typically not a major consequence of a stroke compared to the significant impact of brain damage.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of a solution with a high viscosity?

A. It flows easily
B. It has a low resistance to flow
C. It has a high resistance to flow
D. It does not mix with other liquids

Correct answer: c

Rationale: Solutions with high viscosity have a high resistance to flow. The other choices do not accurately describe high viscosity.

3. The ball-and-socket joint, which allows for wide range of motion, is found in the connection between:

A. Upper arm and shoulder blade (scapula)
B. Collarbone (clavicle) and breastbone (sternum)
C. Two vertebrae in the spine
D. Ribs and sternum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Upper arm and shoulder blade (scapula).' The ball-and-socket joint is found in the connection between the humerus (upper arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). This joint allows for a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. The collarbone (clavicle) and breastbone (sternum) are connected by a cartilaginous joint, not a ball-and-socket joint. Two vertebrae in the spine are connected by facet joints, and the ribs and sternum are connected by cartilaginous joints and the costovertebral joints. Therefore, the ball-and-socket joint is uniquely found in the connection between the upper arm and the shoulder blade, allowing for the shoulder's impressive range of motion.

4. What is the purpose of genetic counseling?

A. To treat genetic disorders.
B. To diagnose genetic diseases in newborns.
C. To provide information and support to individuals and families with genetic risks.
D. To collect DNA samples for research purposes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To provide information and support to individuals and families with genetic risks. Genetic counselors explain the implications of genetic testing, discuss risks and options, and offer emotional and psychological support.

5. What is the mass number of an element?

A. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
B. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
C. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.
D. The number of isotopes of an element.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. It is represented by the symbol A and is written as a superscript to the element's symbol. For example, the mass number of carbon-12 is 12, which means that a carbon-12 atom has 6 protons and 6 neutrons in its nucleus.

6. A study finds a correlation between increased ice cream consumption and lower crime rates. What is the MOST likely explanation for this observation?

A. Ice cream directly reduces criminal behavior.
B. People who commit crimes eat less ice cream.
C. A third factor, like hot weather, influences both.
D. The study design is flawed and the connection is false.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most likely explanation for the correlation between increased ice cream consumption and lower crime rates is a third factor influencing both variables. In this case, hot weather could be the common factor as both ice cream consumption and crime rates tend to increase during warmer months. This scenario illustrates the importance of considering confounding variables when interpreting correlations.