Nursing Elites

1. An obstetrician tells a 42-year-old patient that she can have a healthy baby, but that she is of 'advanced maternal age.' The patient is so upset that she fails to listen to the rest of the doctor's advice, goes home in a huff, and immediately dyes her hair.

• A. the age of the sperm.
• B. the age of her eggs.
• C. her risk of developing diabetes.
• D. her cholesterol level, not her appearance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'the age of her eggs.' As women age, the quality of their eggs decreases, leading to a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities and infertility. This decline in egg quality is why advanced maternal age is associated with a higher risk of certain pregnancy complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary concern in this context is related to the age-related changes in a woman's eggs, not sperm, diabetes risk, or cholesterol levels.

2. Metabolism is defined as _____.

• A. the removal of wastes produced by chemical reactions
• B. the breakdown of substances into simpler forms
• C. the taking in of nutrients
• D. all the chemical reactions occurring in an organism that support life

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that take place within an organism to sustain life, including processes such as breaking down molecules, building new molecules, and energy production. Choice A is incorrect because it describes excretion rather than metabolism. Choice B is incorrect as it specifically refers to the breakdown of substances, not encompassing the entirety of metabolic processes. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on nutrient intake, which is just one aspect of metabolism.

3. Which of the following is the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood?

• A. Hematocrit
• B. Hemoglobin
• C. Mean corpuscular volume
• D. Reticulocyte count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hematocrit.' Hematocrit is the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood. It is used to diagnose conditions such as anemia and dehydration. Choice B, 'Hemoglobin,' measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, not the percentage of red blood cells. Choice C, 'Mean corpuscular volume,' measures the average volume of a red blood cell, not the percentage of red blood cells. Choice D, 'Reticulocyte count,' measures the percentage of young red blood cells in the blood, not the percentage of red blood cells.

4. An investigator who conducts an experiment to determine how temperature changes affect the rate at which the heart beats is most likely a(n)

• A. anatomist.
• B. physiologist.
• C. chemist.
• D. biochemist.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'physiologist.' A physiologist studies how the body functions under normal and abnormal conditions, including how temperature changes can affect physiological processes like heart rate. An anatomist focuses on the structure of organisms rather than their functions, making choice A incorrect. Choices C and D are also incorrect as they are more related to the study of chemicals and biochemistry, which are not directly relevant to investigating the effects of temperature on heart rate.

5. Homeostasis exists if concentrations of water, nutrients, and oxygen in the body and heat and pressure __________.

• A. decrease steadily
• B. remain within certain limited ranges
• C. increase when the body is stressed
• D. fluctuate greatly between very high and low values

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes. To achieve this balance, concentrations of essential substances must remain within specific ranges. Choice A is incorrect because decreasing concentrations would not maintain stability. Choice C is incorrect as increasing concentrations when the body is stressed would disrupt homeostasis. Choice D is incorrect as fluctuating greatly between high and low values would also not support the body's stability. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it aligns with the concept of homeostasis by emphasizing the need for stability within certain limits.

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