Nursing Elites

1. Which type of epithelium lines the inner surface of the oral cavity, providing a barrier against external insults?

• A. Simple squamous epithelium
• B. Stratified squamous epithelium
• C. Simple columnar epithelium
• D. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The oral cavity is constantly exposed to mechanical stress and potential injury from food particles and other external factors. To protect against these insults, a strong and resilient epithelium is needed. Stratified squamous epithelium is the best choice for lining the oral cavity due to its multiple layers of cells. This type of epithelium provides a robust barrier that can withstand abrasion and protect the underlying tissues. Simple squamous epithelium (choice A) is too thin and not suitable for a protective function. Simple columnar epithelium (choice C) is more suited for absorption and secretion functions, not protection against mechanical stress. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium (choice D) is found in respiratory passages and functions in mucociliary clearance, not in providing a protective barrier against external insults in the oral cavity.

2. How does the stability of an atom's nucleus influence its radioactive decay?

• A. Stable nuclei never undergo radioactive decay.
• B. Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes.
• C. Decay releases energy, making stable nuclei more prone to it.
• D. The element's position on the periodic table determines its decay rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

3. What is the main target organ for insulin, the hormone produced by the pancreas?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Muscles
• D. Brain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main target organ for insulin is muscles. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating glucose metabolism by promoting the uptake of glucose into muscle cells. This glucose can then be utilized for energy production or stored for later use. Therefore, muscles are the primary site where insulin exerts its effects on glucose uptake and utilization. The liver primarily responds to insulin by regulating glucose storage and release, but the main target for insulin-mediated glucose uptake is muscles. Kidneys are not a target organ for insulin action in glucose metabolism. The brain does not heavily rely on insulin for glucose uptake as it primarily uses glucose independently of insulin for energy production.

4. What type of molecule forms the cell membrane and controls what enters and exits the cell?

• A. Proteins
• B. Carbohydrates
• C. Lipids
• D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The cell membrane is primarily composed of lipids, specifically phospholipids, which form a lipid bilayer. This lipid bilayer controls what enters and exits the cell, providing a barrier that is selectively permeable. While proteins are also important components of the cell membrane and play various roles, lipids are the main structural component responsible for the membrane's permeability and function. Carbohydrates and nucleic acids are not the primary components of the cell membrane and do not have the same structural role as lipids.

5. A ball is rolling across the floor and comes to a stop on its own. What force caused the ball to stop?

• A. Gravitational force
• B. Normal force from the floor
• C. Air resistance
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The force that caused the ball to stop rolling across the floor is air resistance. As the ball moves through the air, air resistance acts in the opposite direction of its motion, gradually slowing it down until it comes to a stop. In this scenario, the ball is not in contact with the floor, so the normal force from the floor does not play a role in stopping the ball. Gravitational force acts to pull objects towards the center of the Earth and would not directly stop the ball in this situation. Therefore, air resistance is the force that opposes the motion of the rolling ball and causes it to come to a stop.

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