1. The outermost layer of your skin, responsible for waterproofing and providing a barrier against pathogens, is the:

A. Stratum basale (Basal layer)
B. Stratum corneum
C. Stratum granulosum
D. Stratum spinosum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead skin cells (corneocytes) that are continuously shed and replaced. This layer is responsible for waterproofing the skin and providing a barrier against pathogens, UV radiation, and other environmental factors. The stratum basale (A) is the deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are produced. The stratum granulosum (C) is the layer of the epidermis where cells begin to flatten and keratinization begins. The stratum spinosum (D) is the layer above the stratum granulosum, where cells become interconnected by desmosomes. Therefore, the stratum corneum is specifically designed to fulfill the functions of waterproofing and protecting against pathogens.

2. A balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and chlorine to form sodium chloride is:

A. Na + Cl2 -> NaCl
B. 2Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl
C. Na2 + Cl -> 2NaCl
D. Na + 2Cl -> NaCl2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and chlorine to form sodium chloride is '2Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl'. This equation is balanced as it shows that 2 atoms of sodium react with 1 molecule of chlorine gas to produce 2 molecules of sodium chloride. Option A 'Na + Cl2 -> NaCl' is incorrect as it does not balance the number of atoms on both sides of the equation. It only shows 1 atom of sodium reacting with 1 molecule of chlorine, which is not a balanced representation of the chemical reaction. Therefore, option B is the correct choice for this question.

3. Histamine, released during an allergic reaction, causes symptoms like:

A. Fever and fatigue
B. Runny nose and itchiness
C. Muscle aches and joint pain
D. Cough and shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Runny nose and itchiness.' Histamine is a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. It causes various symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. These symptoms are commonly associated with allergic reactions like hay fever or hives. Fever and fatigue (option A) are not directly caused by histamine release. Muscle aches and joint pain (option C) are not typical symptoms of histamine release during an allergic reaction. Cough and shortness of breath (option D) are more commonly associated with asthma or respiratory allergies rather than histamine release.

4. What is the function of the underlined phrase "with a mischievous grin" in the sentence "He approached her with a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling"?

A. Subject
B. Direct object
C. Adverbial phrase
D. Appositive phrase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The underlined phrase modifies the verb "approached" by describing his manner, making it an adverbial phrase.

5. Where does bile, a substance that helps digest fats, come from?

A. Stomach
B. Pancreas
C. Liver
D. Gallbladder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Bile is a substance that helps digest fats by emulsifying them, which means breaking down large fat globules into smaller droplets to increase the efficiency of fat digestion by enzymes. The liver produces bile, which is then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. The stomach (option A) is responsible for the initial digestion of food through the action of gastric juices, but bile is not produced in the stomach. The pancreas (option B) secretes digestive enzymes such as lipase to further break down fats in the small intestine, but it does not produce bile. The gallbladder (option D) stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver but does not actually produce bile itself.

6. Which of the following statements is NOT true about performance appraisal?

A. Informing the staff about the specific impressions of their work help improve their
B. A verbal appraisal is an acceptable substitute for a written report
C. Patients are the best source of information regarding personnel appraisal.
D. The outcome of performance appraisal rests primarily with the staff.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option A is the correct answer because informing staff about specific impressions of their work can be subjective and may not always lead to improvement. Performance appraisal should be based on objective criteria and feedback. Verbal appraisals can lack documentation and clarity, making a written report a more reliable form of evaluation. Patients may provide valuable input on staff interactions, but they may not have the full context to assess job performance comprehensively. The outcome of performance appraisal should involve both the staff and the appraiser, as it is a collaborative process to identify strengths and areas for development.