1. What is the term for the shedding of the outermost layer of the epidermis?

A. Desquamation
B. Exfoliation
C. Keratinization
D. Epidermolysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct term for the shedding of the outermost layer of the epidermis is desquamation. Desquamation is a natural process where old skin cells are shed off to make way for new cells. Exfoliation refers to the removal of dead skin cells through external means like scrubs. Keratinization is the process by which skin cells produce the protein keratin, while epidermolysis is a condition where the epidermis separates from the dermis. Therefore, in this context, desquamation is the most appropriate term for the shedding of the outermost layer of the epidermis.

2. What is the process by which a large, unstable nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing neutrons and energy?

A. Alpha decay
B. Beta decay
C. Gamma decay
D. Nuclear fission

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nuclear fission involves splitting a heavy nucleus into smaller fragments, releasing neutrons and energy.

3. A salt solution that conducts electricity well is most likely

A. A saturated solution
B. A concentrated solution of a strong electrolyte
C. A dilute solution of a weak acid
D. A mixture of a neutral compound and water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "A concentrated solution of a strong electrolyte." Strong electrolytes completely dissociate into ions in solution, thereby increasing the conductivity of the solution. Concentrated solutions have a higher amount of dissolved solute particles, which leads to more ions available for conducting electricity. In contrast, saturated solutions may contain undissolved solute, limiting the number of ions in solution. Dilute solutions have fewer ions and weak acids only partially dissociate, reducing conductivity. A neutral compound and water do not provide ions for conducting electricity. Therefore, a concentrated solution of a strong electrolyte is most likely to conduct electricity well due to the high concentration of ions present.

4. A medication order is written as 3/4 of a tablet. If each tablet is 500mg, what is the equivalent dosage in milligrams?

A. 375mg
B. 425mg
C. 450mg
D. 475mg

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Multiply the tablet strength (500mg) by the fractional dose (3/4) to get 375 milligrams.

5. Fertilization, the fusion of sperm and egg, typically occurs in which part of the female reproductive system?

A. Ovary
B. Fallopian tube
C. Uterus
D. Vagina

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fallopian tube. Fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized by sperm. The fallopian tube provides the ideal environment for fertilization to take place before the fertilized egg travels to the uterus for implantation. The other options, such as the ovary, uterus, and vagina, do not typically serve as the site of fertilization. Therefore, the fallopian tube is the correct answer in this case.

6. Bile, stored in the gallbladder, aids in the digestion of:

A. Carbohydrates
B. Proteins
C. Fats
D. Vitamins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Fats." Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats. When you consume fatty foods, bile is released into the small intestine to help break down the fats into smaller droplets, making it easier for enzymes to digest them. This process allows the body to absorb essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. Carbohydrates are mainly digested by enzymes like amylase in the mouth and small intestine, while proteins are broken down by enzymes like pepsin and trypsin. Vitamins are not directly digested by bile but are absorbed along with fats in the small intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as bile aids in the digestion of fats.