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. Which type of nuclear reaction releases a large amount of energy in a short time?

• A. Radioactivity
• B. Nuclear fission
• C. Nuclear fusion
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nuclear fusion releases a large amount of energy in a short time by combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This process is the energy source of the sun and hydrogen bombs. Radioactivity involves the spontaneous emission of particles or energy from an unstable atomic nucleus, while nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei, also releasing energy. While all the options are types of nuclear reactions, nuclear fusion is specifically known for releasing a large amount of energy rapidly, making it the correct choice in this context. Choices A and B are incorrect as they do not specifically describe the process of releasing a large amount of energy in a short time. Choice D is incorrect because not all the options listed release a large amount of energy in a short time, making it an inaccurate answer.

3. Which hormone is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and is produced by the pancreas?

• A. Insulin
• B. Glucagon
• C. Testosterone
• D. Estrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin is the correct answer. It is the hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells for energy production or storage. Glucagon, also produced by the pancreas, has the opposite effect of increasing blood sugar levels by promoting the release of stored glucose from the liver. Testosterone and estrogen are sex hormones produced by the testes and ovaries, respectively, and are not directly involved in regulating blood sugar levels.

4. Which part of the eye controls the amount of light that enters the eye?

• A. Cornea
• B. Iris
• C. Retina
• D. Lens

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The iris is the correct answer as it controls the amount of light that enters the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil. The cornea is responsible for focusing light onto the retina, the retina detects light at the back of the eye, and the lens helps in further focusing light onto the retina. The iris, through changing the size of the pupil, regulates the amount of light reaching the eye, making it the part that controls the entry of light.

5. A car is moving in a circle at a constant speed. Which of the following is NOT true about its motion?

• A. It has a constant centripetal acceleration
• B. Its tangential velocity remains constant
• C. It experiences a force directed towards the center of the circle
• D. It covers the same distance in equal time intervals along its circular path

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In circular motion at a constant speed, the car has a constant centripetal acceleration (choice A), experiences a force directed towards the center of the circle (choice C), and covers the same distance in equal time intervals along its circular path (choice D). However, the tangential velocity of an object in circular motion at a constant speed changes continuously as it moves around the circle, so it is not constant (choice B). The change in tangential velocity allows the car to maintain its motion in a circular path despite moving at a constant speed. Choice A is incorrect because centripetal acceleration is indeed present to keep the car moving in a circular path. Choice C is incorrect as a force towards the center is required to keep the car in circular motion. Choice D is incorrect because the car covers equal distances in equal time intervals to maintain its circular trajectory.

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