Nursing Elites

1. Deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen, has a nucleus containing:

• A. A single proton
• B. A proton and a neutron
• C. Two protons and an electron
• D. Two neutrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Deuterium, as an isotope of hydrogen, has an atomic number of 1 and a mass number of 2. The nucleus of deuterium contains one proton (as in all hydrogen atoms) and one neutron, totaling 2 nucleons in the nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is that deuterium's nucleus contains a proton and a neutron. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Deuterium is not just a single proton (A), doesn't have two protons and an electron (C), and doesn't contain two neutrons (D). The correct composition of deuterium's nucleus is one proton and one neutron.

2. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is essential for regulating electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, specifically by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Its primary function involves acting on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water while promoting the excretion of potassium. This process is essential for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Epinephrine is associated with the fight or flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone, and insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the correct answer is Aldosterone as it directly targets electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body.

3. What is the process by which RNA molecules are modified after transcription but before translation?

• A. Replication
• B. Splicing
• C. Editing
• D. Packaging

Correct answer: B

Rationale: B) Splicing is the correct answer. Splicing is the process by which non-coding regions (introns) are removed from pre-mRNA, and the remaining coding regions (exons) are joined together to form mature mRNA. This modification occurs after transcription but before translation. A) Replication is incorrect as replication is the process by which DNA is copied to produce a new DNA molecule, not RNA modifications. C) Editing may involve RNA editing, but it is not commonly used to describe the modification of RNA molecules after transcription. D) Packaging is not the correct term as it refers to the condensation and organization of DNA into chromatin in eukaryotic cells, not the modification of RNA molecules.

4. Which part of the hair is not attached to the follicle?

• A. Bulb
• B. Root
• C. Shaft
• D. Strand

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Shaft.' The hair shaft is the part of the hair that extends above the skin surface and is not attached to the follicle. The bulb and root are parts that are connected to the follicle as they are located below the skin surface and play a role in hair growth. The strand, on the other hand, refers to a single hair fiber and is not a distinct part of the hair anatomy.

5. What is the primary source of energy entering most ecosystems?

• A. Chemical energy stored in bonds
• B. Thermal energy from the Earth's core
• C. Light energy from the sun
• D. Kinetic energy from wind and water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In most ecosystems, the primary source of energy is sunlight. This energy is captured by plants and other photosynthetic organisms through the process of photosynthesis. These organisms convert light energy into chemical energy stored in the bonds of organic molecules, such as glucose. This stored chemical energy is then passed on to other organisms in the ecosystem through the food chain, making sunlight the fundamental source of energy for most ecosystems. Thermal energy from the Earth's core (option B) is not a primary source of energy for ecosystems, as it is not readily accessible to most organisms. Kinetic energy from wind and water (option D) can play a role in some ecosystems, but it is not the primary source of energy. Chemical energy stored in bonds (option A) is a form of energy that is ultimately derived from the sun through photosynthesis, making it a product of the primary energy source rather than the primary source itself.

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