Nursing Elites

1. Isotopes are variants of a single element that differ in:

• A. Having the same number of protons but varying numbers of neutrons
• B. Having the same number of neutrons but varying numbers of protons
• C. Having the same mass but different atomic numbers
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isotopes are variants of a single element that have the same number of protons, the defining characteristic of an element. They differ in the number of neutrons they possess, leading to isotopes having different atomic masses while retaining the same chemical properties. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes have the same number of neutrons and differ in the number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses due to varying numbers of neutrons, not different atomic numbers. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes do differ in the number of neutrons they possess.

2. Which of the following describes how atomic radius varies across the periodic table?

• A. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table.
• B. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and right to left on the periodic table.
• C. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the halogens on the periodic table.
• D. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the noble gases on the periodic table.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atomic radius tends to increase from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table. This is because as you move down a group (top to bottom), new energy levels are added, increasing the distance of the outer electrons from the nucleus and thus increasing the size of the atom. On the other hand, as you move from left to right across a period, the number of protons and electrons increases, leading to a stronger nuclear charge that attracts the electrons closer to the nucleus, resulting in smaller atomic radii. Choice B is incorrect as atomic radius does not increase from right to left. Choices C and D are incorrect as they incorrectly associate the trend with specific groups of elements (halogens and noble gases) rather than the general trend observed on the periodic table.

3. What is the difference between alpha decay and beta decay?

• A. Both release the same type of particle.
• B. Alpha decay releases a helium nucleus, while beta decay releases an electron or positron.
• C. Alpha decay is more common than beta decay.
• D. They both convert one element into another, but in different ways.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alpha decay involves the release of a helium nucleus, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. In contrast, beta decay releases an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay). This significant distinction in the particles emitted during the decay processes distinguishes alpha decay from beta decay. Choice A is incorrect because alpha and beta decay release different types of particles. Choice C is incorrect as beta decay is more common than alpha decay in many cases. Choice D is incorrect as it does not specifically address the particles released during alpha and beta decay.

4. Which of the following is an example of a secondary alcohol?

• A. Methanol
• B. Ethanol
• C. Isopropanol
• D. Butanol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isopropanol is indeed an example of a secondary alcohol because the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl group is bonded to two other carbon atoms. In isopropanol, the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to two other carbon atoms. Methanol (Choice A) is a primary alcohol with the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to one other carbon atom. Ethanol (Choice B) is also a primary alcohol with the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to one other carbon atom. Butanol (Choice D) is a primary alcohol with the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to three other carbon atoms, making it a primary alcohol.

5. Which of the following is NOT a major component of a healthy blood pressure reading?

• A. Systolic pressure (peak pressure during ventricular contraction)
• B. Diastolic pressure (pressure within arteries during ventricular relaxation)
• C. Pulse pressure (difference between systolic and diastolic pressure)
• D. Blood oxygen saturation levels. While blood oxygen levels are crucial for overall health, they are not directly reflected in a blood pressure reading.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Blood oxygen saturation levels are essential for overall health but are not directly part of a blood pressure reading. A healthy blood pressure reading consists of systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and pulse pressure. Systolic pressure represents the peak pressure during ventricular contraction, diastolic pressure reflects the pressure within arteries during ventricular relaxation, and pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. These components collectively provide information about the pressure variations within the arteries throughout the cardiac cycle phases, contributing to the assessment of cardiovascular health. Therefore, choice D, blood oxygen saturation levels, is not a major component of a healthy blood pressure reading and is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are major components of a healthy blood pressure reading and directly relate to the pressure variations within the arteries during different phases of the cardiac cycle.

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