Nursing Elites

1. An investigator wishes to test the effect of temperature on the durability of a certain material. He places five blocks of this material in a sunny area in a meadow and five more in a cold area high in the mountains. He then monitors them over time. What is the main problem with this experiment?

• A. Ten subjects are far too small a number to obtain effective results.
• B. It is impossible to control for the fact that the blocks in the mountains were placed later.
• C. There are too many variables that are not being controlled for.
• D. Nothing is wrong with this experiment; this demonstrates good experimental procedure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main problem with this experiment is that there are too many variables that are not being controlled for. The investigator is only changing one variable (temperature) while there are other variables at play such as humidity, exposure to light, and potential differences in the material itself. Without controlling or accounting for these additional variables, it would be difficult to determine if any observed differences in durability are solely due to temperature. Choice A is incorrect because the issue is not solely about the number of subjects but about the lack of control over variables. Choice B is not the main problem as the order of placement may not significantly impact the results. Choice D is incorrect as the experiment lacks proper control over variables, which is a crucial aspect of good experimental procedure.

2. What is the role of platelets in the blood?

• A. Transport oxygen
• B. Fight infection
• C. Produce antibodies
• D. Clot blood

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting by forming clots to help stop bleeding. While red blood cells transport oxygen, white blood cells fight infection, and immune cells produce antibodies, platelets specifically function to prevent excessive bleeding by forming clots. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they describe functions of other components of the blood, not platelets.

3. How can bacteria acquire new genetic material from their environment?

• A. Transformation
• B. Transduction
• C. Conjugation
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Transformation: Transformation is the process by which bacteria can take up free DNA from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome, leading to the acquisition of new genetic material and traits. B) Transduction: Transduction involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria. The bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one host cell to another, facilitating the transfer of genetic material. C) Conjugation: Conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria where genetic material is transferred between two bacterial cells in direct contact. This transfer is facilitated by a conjugative plasmid carrying the genetic information. Therefore, all the processes mentioned (transformation, transduction, and conjugation) are ways in which bacteria can acquire new genetic material from their environment.

4. Which type of joint connects the bones of the skull?

• A. Synovial
• B. Fibrous
• C. Cartilaginous
• D. Ball-and-socket

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fibrous joints connect the bones of the skull. These joints are immovable or provide very limited movement, providing stability and protection to the brain. Synovial joints (Choice A) are found in the limbs and allow for a wide range of movements. Cartilaginous joints (Choice C) are connected by cartilage and allow limited movement. Ball-and-socket joints (Choice D) allow for a wide range of motion, such as the hip and shoulder joints, but they do not connect the bones of the skull.

5. What is the function of the immune system?

• A. To transport oxygen
• B. To fight infection
• C. To digest food
• D. To produce hormones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To fight infection.' The immune system's primary function is to protect the body from infections and foreign invaders by recognizing and responding to pathogens. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and preventing diseases caused by harmful microorganisms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the immune system is not responsible for transporting oxygen, digesting food, or producing hormones. These functions are carried out by other systems in the body, such as the respiratory system, digestive system, and endocrine system, respectively.

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