Nursing Elites

1. Half-life refers to the characteristic time it takes for:

• A. Radioactive intensity to completely disappear
• B. The number of neutrons in a nucleus to double
• C. The number of protons in a nucleus to change
• D. An isotope to decay by half of its initial quantity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: An isotope to decay by half of its initial quantity. The half-life of a substance is the time it takes for half of the initial quantity of radioactive atoms to decay. This is a characteristic property of each radioactive isotope and is used to determine the rate of decay of a substance. Option A is incorrect because radioactive intensity does not completely disappear in half-life, it only decreases by half. Options B and C are unrelated to the concept of half-life and do not accurately describe its definition.

2. Which process involves the body's natural defense against inhaled dust and allergens?

• A. Cellular respiration
• B. Gas exchange
• C. Ciliary action
• D. Bronchoconstriction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ciliary action. Cilia are tiny hair-like structures lining the respiratory tract that help trap and remove inhaled dust and allergens. When these particles are trapped in the mucus produced by the cilia, the cilia beat in a coordinated fashion to move the mucus and its trapped particles out of the respiratory system, preventing them from reaching the lungs. Cellular respiration (A) is the process by which cells generate energy from nutrients, not a defense mechanism. Gas exchange (B) refers to the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, not a defense mechanism. Bronchoconstriction (D) is the narrowing of the airways, often in response to triggers like allergens, but it is not the body's natural defense mechanism against inhaled dust and allergens.

3. The gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures is best described by:

• A. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• B. Gradualism (slow and continuous change)
• C. Founder effect (genetic drift in a small population)
• D. Adaptive radiation (rapid diversification of a species)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A) Punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by long periods of stability, rather than gradual change over time in response to environmental pressures. B) Gradualism is the process by which species evolve through slow and continuous changes over time in response to environmental pressures. This gradual change can lead to the development of new traits and adaptations. C) Founder effect is a type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation compared to the original population. It does not specifically describe the gradual change in a species over time. D) Adaptive radiation is the rapid diversification of a species into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, but it does not specifically refer to the gradual change in response to environmental pressures. Therefore, the best description of the gradual change in a species over time in response to e

4. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, helps regulate the body's response to stress, including increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system?

• A. Aldosterone
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Cortisol
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: c

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. It helps regulate blood pressure by increasing it to prepare the body for stressors. Additionally, cortisol suppresses the immune system to prioritize the stress response. Aldosterone, while also produced by the adrenal glands, primarily regulates electrolyte balance and blood pressure. Epinephrine, produced by the adrenal medulla, is involved in the fight-or-flight response but does not suppress the immune system like cortisol. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the stress response. Therefore, Cortisol is the hormone that specifically helps regulate the body's response to stress by increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system.

5. A scientist observes a new species of plant with unusual leaves. They hypothesize that the leaves help capture more sunlight. Which observation would LEAST support this hypothesis?

• A. The plant grows in shady environments.
• B. The leaves have a large surface area.
• C. The leaves contain high levels of chlorophyll.
• D. The plant has shallow roots.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: If the plant thrives in shade, it suggests the leaves may have adapted for other purposes than maximizing sunlight capture.

6. A patient's oxygen flow rate is set at 4 liters per minute. How many cubic centimeters of oxygen are delivered per minute?

• A. 400 cubic centimeters
• B. 4,000 cubic centimeters
• C. 40,000 cubic centimeters
• D. 400,000 cubic centimeters

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Remember 1 liter is equal to 1000 cubic centimeters. Multiply the flow rate in liters per minute by the conversion factor: 4 liters/minute * 1000 cm³/liter = 4,000 cubic centimeters/minute.

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