Nursing Elites

1. The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear

• A. Pink
• B. Blue
• C. Red
• D. Purple

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.

2. In the context of optical fibers, chromatic dispersion refers to:

• A. The total internal reflection of light
• B. The spreading of light pulses due to different colors traveling at slightly different speeds
• C. The bending of light at the fiber core-cladding interface
• D. The absorption of light by the fiber material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chromatic dispersion in optical fibers refers to the spreading of light pulses due to different colors (wavelengths) traveling at slightly different speeds. This phenomenon can cause the different components of a light pulse to arrive at the receiver at slightly different times, leading to signal distortion. Choice A is incorrect because total internal reflection refers to the phenomenon where light is reflected back into the medium it originated from when hitting the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the principle of light being guided within an optical fiber through total internal reflection at the core-cladding interface. Choice D is incorrect as the absorption of light by the fiber material does not relate to chromatic dispersion.

3. What is the muscular tube that connects the outer surface to the cervix in a woman's birth canal referred to as?

• A. The uterus
• B. The cervix
• C. The vagina
• D. The ovaries

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'The vagina.' The muscular tube that connects the outer surface to the cervix in a woman's birth canal is called the vagina. The vagina serves as the passageway for menstrual flow, sexual intercourse, and childbirth. The cervix, not the uterus, connects the vagina to the uterus. The ovaries, on the other hand, are the organs responsible for producing eggs and female hormones, but they are not the muscular tube connecting the outer surface to the cervix in the birth canal.

4. Which type of lens focuses parallel light rays to a single point?

• A. Concave lens
• B. Convex lens
• C. Cylindrical lens
• D. Plano lens

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A convex lens focuses parallel light rays to a single point by causing them to converge. This lens is thicker in the center than at the edges, which helps in converging the light rays. Convex lenses are commonly used for tasks like magnification and focusing due to their ability to bring distant light rays to a single focal point. Choice A, the concave lens, diverges light rays rather than converging them, making it incorrect. Choice C, the cylindrical lens, is designed to focus light along one axis rather than converging parallel light rays to a single point. Choice D, the plano lens, has no curvatures to bend or focus light rays, so it does not converge parallel light rays.

5. What is the purpose of a catalyst?

• A. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the activation energy
• B. To increase a reaction rate by increasing the temperature
• C. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy
• D. To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of a catalyst is to increase a reaction's rate by decreasing the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This allows the reaction to proceed more quickly without being consumed in the process. The catalyst provides an alternate mechanism with a lower activation energy, making it easier for the reactants to convert into products. Choice A is incorrect because a catalyst lowers, not increases, the activation energy. Choice B is incorrect because a catalyst does not affect the temperature directly but provides an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur more easily. Choice D is incorrect because a catalyst does not lower the temperature but facilitates the reaction by lowering the activation energy barrier. Therefore, the correct answer is C, 'To increase a reaction rate by decreasing the activation energy.'

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