Nursing Elites

1. Microfilaments and microtubules are both components of the cytoskeleton, but they have different functions. Which of these describes microfilaments?

• A. Provide structural support and shape
• B. Facilitate cell movement and contraction
• C. Form the mitotic spindle during cell division
• D. Transport materials within the cell

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Microfilaments are thin, solid rods made of the protein actin and are primarily responsible for providing structural support to the cell and determining its shape. While they also play a role in cell movement, their main function is related to maintaining the structural integrity of the cell. Choice B, 'Facilitate cell movement and contraction,' describes microtubules, which are responsible for facilitating cell movement, providing structural support, and aiding in cell division. Choice C, 'Form the mitotic spindle during cell division,' specifically refers to the function of microtubules in forming the mitotic spindle. Choice D, 'Transport materials within the cell,' is characteristic of microtubules that are involved in intracellular transport of organelles and materials within the cell.

2. In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit commonly used to quantify:

• A. Energy
• B. Radioactivity
• C. Nuclear cross-section
• D. Half-life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit used to quantify nuclear cross-section. Nuclear cross-section is a measure of the probability of a nuclear reaction occurring when an atomic nucleus interacts with a particle or another nucleus. The barn is a unit of area equal to 10^-28 square meters; it is commonly used to describe the cross-sectional area of atomic nuclei for nuclear reactions. Choice A, 'Energy,' is incorrect because a barn is not a unit for measuring energy; it is a unit of area. Choice B, 'Radioactivity,' is incorrect as radioactivity is typically measured in units like becquerels. Choice D, 'Half-life,' is also incorrect as half-life is a measure of the time it takes for half of a substance to decay, not related to the concept of a barn as a unit of nuclear cross-section.

3. What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope, and how does it relate to its decay rate?

• A. The time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay.
• B. The time it takes for all of the sample to decay.
• C. The rate at which new isotopes are created.
• D. The energy released during decay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay. After one half-life, half of the radioactive atoms have decayed. The decay rate, however, refers to the rate at which radioactive atoms decay, which is not directly related to the half-life. Choice B is incorrect because it does not correctly define the half-life. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the creation of new isotopes, not the decay process. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the energy released during decay, which is not the same as the concept of half-life.

4. Which structure in the heart is responsible for preventing the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?

• A. Aortic valve
• B. Pulmonary valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. Its primary function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. The aortic valve (A) prevents the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle, the pulmonary valve (B) prevents the backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle, and the tricuspid valve (C) prevents the backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium. Understanding the functions of these heart valves is crucial in maintaining proper blood flow through the heart and preventing regurgitation of blood into the wrong chambers.

5. What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

• A. Active immunity is short-lived, while passive immunity is long-lasting.
• B. Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, while passive immunity provides immediate protection through antibodies from another source.
• C. Active immunity only protects against bacterial infections, while passive immunity works against both bacteria and viruses.
• D. Passive immunity requires repeated vaccinations, while active immunity is a one-time process.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, where the individual's immune system produces antibodies in response to exposure to a pathogen or vaccine. This type of immunity is long-lasting because the immune system 'remembers' the pathogen and can mount a rapid response upon re-exposure. In contrast, passive immunity provides immediate protection through the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from another source, such as through maternal antibodies crossing the placenta or receiving antibodies through an injection. Passive immunity is short-lived because the transferred antibodies eventually degrade and are not produced by the recipient's immune system. Choice A is incorrect because active immunity is generally long-lasting, as it involves the production of antibodies by the individual's immune system. Choice C is incorrect as both active and passive immunity can work against various pathogens, not limited to bacteria or viruses. Choice D is incorrect as passive immunity does not require repeated vaccinations but provides temporary protection through the transfer of antibodies from an external source.

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