Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of ribosomes in the cell?

• A. To synthesize lipids and other cellular components
• B. To package and transport proteins
• C. To break down macromolecules
• D. To translate mRNA into proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the genetic information encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA) and use this information to assemble amino acids into a specific sequence, forming a protein. This process is known as translation and is essential for the production of proteins that carry out various functions in the cell. Options A, B, and C do not accurately describe the primary function of ribosomes in the cell.

2. During photosynthesis, plants capture sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This is an example of a:

• A. Decomposition reaction
• B. Combustion reaction
• C. Synthesis reaction
• D. Double displacement reaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Synthesis reaction. During photosynthesis, plants combine water and carbon dioxide using sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. In a synthesis reaction, two or more substances combine to form a more complex product. In this case, glucose and oxygen are synthesized from simpler molecules. A decomposition reaction involves breaking down a compound into simpler substances, which is not the case in photosynthesis. Combustion reactions involve the rapid reaction of a fuel with oxygen to produce heat and light, which is also not the process occurring in photosynthesis. Double displacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds to form new compounds, which is not the mechanism of photosynthesis. Therefore, the process described in the question aligns with a synthesis reaction.

3. Following a successful heart transplant surgery, the patient's body will need to take medications to:

• A. Suppress the immune system and prevent rejection of the new heart.
• B. Reduce overall blood pressure.
• C. Dissolve any remaining blood clots.
• D. Stimulate the growth of new heart tissue.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Suppress the immune system and prevent rejection of the new heart.' After a heart transplant surgery, the body's immune system may recognize the new heart as a foreign object and try to attack it, leading to rejection. To prevent this, patients need to take medications that suppress the immune system, helping the body accept the new heart. These medications are crucial to ensure the success and longevity of the transplanted organ by reducing the risk of rejection. Options B, C, and D are not directly related to the post-heart transplant medication regimen and do not address the primary concern of preventing rejection.

4. What is the primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system?

• A. Filtration of air
• B. Production of mucus
• C. Prevention of food entering the trachea
• D. Oxygen exchange in the alveoli

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system is to prevent food from entering the trachea. When we swallow, the epiglottis covers the opening to the trachea, directing food and liquids to the esophagus instead of the airway. This action helps to protect the respiratory system from foreign objects that could obstruct airflow and cause choking or aspiration pneumonia. Filtration of air and production of mucus are functions associated with other respiratory structures like the nasal passages and bronchial tubes, while oxygen exchange in the alveoli occurs in the lungs, not the epiglottis.

5. 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.

6. In nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create:

• A. A heavier isotope of the same element
• B. A lighter isotope of the same element
• C. An entirely new element
• D. A chain reaction of nuclear fission

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create an entirely new element. During this process, the target nucleus absorbs the incoming particle, resulting in changes to its atomic number and sometimes its mass number. These changes can lead to the creation of a different element altogether. This is a fundamental concept in nuclear chemistry and is used in various applications, including the creation of new isotopes for research or medical purposes. Options A and B are incorrect because transmutation involves creating a different element, not just a heavier or lighter isotope of the same element. Option D, a chain reaction of nuclear fission, is also incorrect as it refers to a different process where a nucleus splits into smaller fragments, releasing energy and more neutrons to sustain the chain reaction.

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