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 the role of surfactant in the respiratory system?

• A. To trap dust particles
• B. To increase lung compliance
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To generate oxygen during respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To increase lung compliance. Surfactant is a substance produced by type II alveolar cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension in the alveoli. This reduction in surface tension helps to increase lung compliance, making it easier for the lungs to expand and contract during breathing. Improved lung compliance is essential for efficient gas exchange in the respiratory system, facilitating oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because surfactant does not trap dust particles, produce mucus, or generate oxygen during respiration. Instead, its primary function lies in reducing surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse and improve lung compliance for optimal gas exchange.

3. What determines the final velocity of a block sliding down a frictionless inclined plane?

• A. The length of the incline
• B. The angle of the incline
• C. The mass of the block
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The final velocity of a block sliding down a frictionless inclined plane is determined by the angle of the incline. The angle directly impacts the acceleration of the block, affecting the final velocity it attains at the bottom. The length of the incline and the mass of the block do not play a direct role in determining the final velocity. Therefore, the correct answer is the angle of the incline (Choice B). Choices A and C are incorrect because the length of the incline and the mass of the block do not have a direct influence on the final velocity of the block in this scenario.

4. Which group of elements is known for their vibrant colors and is commonly used in fireworks?

• A. Noble gases
• B. Alkali metals
• C. Halogens
• D. Transition metals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Transition metals. Transition metals are known for their vibrant colors and are commonly used in fireworks due to their ability to emit specific colors of light. The diverse electronic configurations of transition metals allow them to produce a variety of hues, making them ideal for creating colorful displays in fireworks. Choice A, Noble gases, do not typically produce vibrant colors in fireworks as they are colorless and odorless gases. Choice B, Alkali metals, are not known for their colorful displays in fireworks. Choice C, Halogens, can produce colors in fireworks, but they are not as commonly used for their vibrant hues compared to transition metals.

5. Where is the ball-and-socket joint, allowing a wide range of motion, found?

• A. Upper arm (humerus) and shoulder blade (scapula)
• B. Collarbone (clavicle) and breastbone (sternum)
• C. Two vertebrae in the spine
• D. Ribs and sternum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The ball-and-socket joint is located between the upper arm (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula). This joint provides a wide range of motion, enabling movements like flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. It plays a crucial role in various activities involving the shoulder joint, such as throwing, reaching overhead, and performing rotational movements. Choice B, the collarbone (clavicle) and breastbone (sternum), form the sternoclavicular joint, which is a synovial saddle joint. Choice C, two vertebrae in the spine, typically form gliding or facet joints. Choice D, ribs and sternum, are connected by cartilage, forming cartilaginous joints.

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