Nursing Elites

1. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

• A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
• B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
• C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
• D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

2. What is a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland and excessive production of thyroid hormones called?

• A. Diabetes mellitus
• B. Hyperthyroidism
• C. Hypothyroidism
• D. Cushing's syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness. Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to respond to insulin. Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive and produces insufficient thyroid hormones. Cushing's syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the body has a high level of the hormone cortisol for a long time.

3. After a person eats birthday cake, which of the following enzymes is needed to break down the sucrose in the cake?

• A. Lactase
• B. Maltase
• C. Peptidase
• D. Sucrase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sucrase is the correct enzyme needed to break down sucrose into its component sugars, glucose, and fructose. Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose, maltase for maltose, and peptidase for proteins; therefore, they are not the enzymes required to digest sucrose specifically. In the context of digesting birthday cake, which contains sucrose, sucrase is the enzyme needed for this particular sugar.

4. Which of the following is another name for the voice box?

• A. Alveoli
• B. Larynx
• C. Trachea
• D. Pharynx

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Larynx.' The larynx is commonly referred to as the voice box because it plays a crucial role in sound production. It contains vocal cords and functions in speech and singing. Choice A, 'Alveoli,' are small air sacs in the lungs involved in gas exchange. Choice C, 'Trachea,' is the windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi. Choice D, 'Pharynx,' is the throat area located behind the mouth and nasal cavity, responsible for the passage of food and air.

5. Which type of isomerism arises due to differences in the arrangement of atoms around a double bond?

• A. Chain isomerism
• B. Functional group isomerism
• C. Cis-trans isomerism
• D. Stereoisomerism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cis-trans isomerism, also known as geometric isomerism, arises due to differences in the arrangement of atoms around a double bond. In cis isomers, similar groups are on the same side of the double bond, while in trans isomers, similar groups are on opposite sides of the double bond. This type of isomerism is a subset of stereoisomerism, which includes all isomers that have the same connectivity but differ in spatial arrangement. Chain isomerism involves differences in the carbon chain arrangement, functional group isomerism involves different functional groups, and stereoisomerism is a broader category that encompasses isomers with the same connectivity but different spatial arrangement.

Similar Questions