Nursing Elites

1. In a balanced chemical equation, the coefficients represent the:

• A. Number of elements
• B. Ratio of reactants and products
• C. Physical state of the substances
• D. Rate of the reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Number of elements.' In a balanced chemical equation, coefficients represent the ratio of moles of each species involved in the reaction. They indicate the relative number of molecules or formula units of each compound taking part in the reaction. Choice B, 'Ratio of reactants and products,' is incorrect because the coefficients in a balanced equation do not represent the ratio of reactants and products directly, but rather the stoichiometry of the reaction. Choice C, 'Physical state of the substances,' is incorrect because the physical states (solid, liquid, gas, or aqueous) are denoted with symbols next to the chemical formula, not the coefficients. Choice D, 'Rate of the reaction,' is incorrect as coefficients in a balanced equation do not provide information about the rate of the reaction, which is determined by factors like temperature, concentration, and catalysts.

2. Balance the following redox reaction in acidic solution: I⁻ (aq) + Cr₂O₇²⁻ (aq) -> I₂ (aq) + Cr³⁺ (aq). Identify the oxidizing agent and reducing agent.

• A. I⁻ is oxidized, Cr₂O₇²⁻ is reduced
• B. I⁻ is reduced, Cr₂O₇²⁻ is oxidized
• C. Both I⁻ and Cr₂O₇²⁻ are oxidized
• D. Both I⁻ and Cr₂O₇²⁻ are reduced

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the given redox reaction, I⁻ is gaining electrons to form I₂, which means I⁻ is being reduced (undergoing reduction). On the other hand, Cr₂O₇²⁻ is losing electrons to form Cr³⁺, indicating that Cr₂O₇²⁻ is being oxidized (undergoing oxidation). Therefore, I⁻ is the reducing agent and Cr₂O₇²⁻ is the oxidizing agent. Choice A is incorrect because I⁻ is being reduced, not oxidized. Choice C is incorrect as both species cannot be oxidized in the same reaction. Choice D is incorrect as both species cannot be reduced in the same reaction.

3. Which radioactive isotope is commonly used in medical imaging techniques such as PET scans?

• A. Uranium-235
• B. Plutonium-239
• C. Potassium-40
• D. Fluorine-18

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fluorine-18 is the radioactive isotope commonly used in medical imaging techniques such as PET scans. It is frequently used in the form of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to locate areas of heightened metabolic activity in the body, such as in cancer cells. Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 are not typically employed in medical imaging, and Potassium-40, while a naturally occurring radioactive isotope found in the human body, is not commonly used in medical imaging techniques.

4. What is the outermost protective layer of the kidney?

• A. Renal cortex
• B. Renal medulla
• C. Renal capsule
• D. Renal pelvis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Renal capsule. The renal capsule is the outermost protective layer of the kidney. It is a tough fibrous layer that surrounds the kidney and helps protect it from injury and maintain its shape. Choice A, Renal cortex, is the outer region of the kidney where filtration occurs. Choice B, Renal medulla, is the inner region of the kidney where urine is formed. Choice D, Renal pelvis, is the funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the kidney and funnels it into the ureter. Therefore, the renal capsule is specifically designated as the outermost protective layer of the kidney.

5. Which vitamin is essential for collagen production, a key component of connective tissues?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, a key component of connective tissues. Collagen, a crucial protein, provides structure and strength to various body tissues, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in collagen synthesis by aiding in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues, which is essential for stabilizing the collagen structure. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to impaired collagen production, resulting in conditions like scurvy, characterized by weakened connective tissues. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function but is not directly involved in collagen production. Vitamin D (Choice C) is essential for calcium absorption and bone health but is not primarily responsible for collagen synthesis. Vitamin E (Choice D) acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, but it is not a key player in collagen production.

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