Nursing Elites

1. How many pairs of chromosomes are in a human cell?

• A. 46
• B. 23
• C. 64
• D. 32

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 23. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes. Each pair consists of one chromosome inherited from the mother and one from the father, making a total of 46 chromosomes in a human cell. Choice A (46) is incorrect as it represents the total number of chromosomes, not pairs. Choice C (64) and D (32) are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate number of chromosome pairs in a human cell.

2. The fossil record shows that dinosaurs with feathers existed millions of years before birds. This is evidence for

• A. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
• B. Divergent evolution (related organisms evolving different traits)
• C. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
• D. The extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The fossil record indicates that dinosaurs had feathers before birds, suggesting convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it best explains the scenario where dinosaurs with feathers existed before birds, showcasing the concept of unrelated organisms evolving similar traits independently.

3. Which type of joint allows for the most movement?

• A. Ball-and-socket joint (shoulder)
• B. Hinge joint (elbow)
• C. Fibrocartilaginous joint (wrists)
• D. Suture joint (skull)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ball-and-socket joint (shoulder). Ball-and-socket joints, exemplified by the shoulder joint, provide the widest range of movement among joint types. These joints facilitate flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation, allowing for versatile mobility. In a ball-and-socket joint, the rounded end of one bone fits into the socket of another bone, enabling extensive motion capabilities. Choice B, Hinge joint (elbow), allows movement in one plane, limiting its range compared to ball-and-socket joints. Choice C, Fibrocartilaginous joint (wrists), like the intervertebral discs, is meant for stability rather than extensive movement. Choice D, Suture joint (skull), found in the skull bones, is immovable and provides structural support rather than movement.

4. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

• A. Cramp
• B. Spasm
• C. Tic
• D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

5. What is the primary function of the digestive system?

• A. To break down food into nutrients
• B. To absorb oxygen
• C. To produce energy
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To break down food into nutrients.' The primary function of the digestive system is to break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body for energy, growth, and repair. The digestive system is not responsible for absorbing oxygen (Choice B), as that is the role of the respiratory system. While the digestion process does release energy from nutrients, the primary function is not to produce energy (Choice C), but rather to extract nutrients for energy production. Regulating body temperature (Choice D) is primarily handled by the thermoregulatory mechanisms in the body, such as the skin and sweat glands, not the digestive system.

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