Nursing Elites

1. Nuclear fission is a process characterized by:

• A. A heavy nucleus capturing a neutron and releasing energy
• B. The fusion of two nuclei to form a heavier element
• C. A lighter element emitting an alpha particle through radioactive decay
• D. An electron being absorbed by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nuclear fission is a process characterized by a heavy nucleus capturing a neutron and splitting into smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. This differs from nuclear fusion, which involves the merging of two lighter nuclei to form a heavier element. The emission of an alpha particle by a lighter element is a form of radioactive decay, not fission. Absorption of an electron by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray is not representative of fission reactions. Therefore, option A correctly describes the process of nuclear fission.

2. What type of waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate?

• A. Transverse waves
• B. Longitudinal waves
• C. Electromagnetic waves
• D. Surface waves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Longitudinal waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate because the particles in the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave. Transverse waves, on the other hand, do not require a medium and can propagate through a vacuum. Electromagnetic waves also do not require a medium for propagation, as they consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. Surface waves are a combination of both longitudinal and transverse waves and also require a medium to propagate.

3. What is the process of converting lactic acid back into pyruvate called?

• A. Glycolysis
• B. Gluconeogenesis
• C. Cori cycle
• D. Oxidative phosphorylation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: A) Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate. B) Gluconeogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. C) The Cori cycle is the process by which lactic acid produced by anaerobic metabolism in muscles is transported to the liver and converted back into glucose or pyruvate. D) Oxidative phosphorylation is the process by which ATP is synthesized using energy derived from the transfer of electrons in the electron transport chain.

4. Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating various sensory inputs, regulating sleep, and maintaining wakefulness?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Hypothalamus
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Reticular formation

Correct answer: d

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reticular formation. The reticular formation is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating consciousness, arousal, and sleep-wake transitions. It receives sensory inputs from various parts of the body and helps coordinate these inputs to maintain wakefulness and alertness. While the cerebrum is responsible for higher cognitive functions and the hypothalamus regulates various physiological processes like body temperature and hunger, the reticular formation specifically focuses on integrating sensory information and controlling wakefulness.

5. What is the coefficient of oxygen in the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane (CH4)?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Correct answer: b

Rationale: The balanced equation is CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O, so the coefficient of oxygen is 2.

6. Which component of the nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements, such as the contraction of skeletal muscles?

• A. Autonomic nervous system
• B. Peripheral nervous system
• C. Somatic nervous system
• D. Sympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: c

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the somatic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements, such as the contraction of skeletal muscles. This system consists of motor neurons that send signals from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles, allowing us to consciously control our movements. The autonomic nervous system (A) controls involuntary actions like heart rate and digestion, the peripheral nervous system (B) includes all nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, and the sympathetic nervous system (D) is a division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Therefore, the somatic nervous system is specifically involved in voluntary movements.

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