Nursing Elites

1. The number of protons in an atom determines its:

• A. Mass number
• B. Atomic number
• C. Atomic weight
• D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is known as the atomic number. The atomic number uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. It is a fundamental property of an element and directly influences its chemical behavior and interactions. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, not just protons. Atomic weight is the average mass of an element's isotopes considering their relative abundance, not solely based on the number of protons. Valence electron count refers to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, influencing its ability to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions, but it is not determined by the number of protons in the atom.

2. According to the Law of Conservation of Energy, what happens to the total amount of energy in a closed system?

• A. Increases over time.
• B. Decreases over time.
• C. Remains constant.
• D. Depends on the temperature of the system.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to the Law of Conservation of Energy, the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant. This principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed within the system but can only be transformed from one form to another. Therefore, the total energy within the system is conserved and does not change over time. Choice A is incorrect because the total energy in a closed system does not increase over time, as it remains constant. Choice B is incorrect as the total energy does not decrease over time within a closed system. Choice D is incorrect as the conservation of energy is not dependent on the temperature of the system, but rather on the transformation and conservation of energy within the system. Understanding this concept is fundamental for understanding the behavior of energy in various physical systems and processes.

3. What is the muscular sac that stores urine until it is released from the body known as?

• A. Urethra
• B. Bladder
• C. Ureter
• D. Nephron

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The bladder is the muscular sac that stores urine until it is released from the body. It acts as a reservoir for urine until it is eliminated through the urethra. The urethra is the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder to the outside. The ureter transports urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney involved in the filtration of blood and urine production. Therefore, the correct answer is the bladder, as it specifically fulfills the function of storing urine before its elimination.

4. Which of the following is an example of a nosocomial infection?

• A. The common cold contracted from a family member
• B. A urinary tract infection (UTI) acquired during a catheterization
• C. A fungal skin infection from contaminated soil
• D. Food poisoning from undercooked chicken

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A nosocomial infection, also known as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI), is an infection that is acquired in a healthcare setting. In this case, a UTI acquired during a catheterization procedure is a classic example of a nosocomial infection. Catheterization involves the insertion of a tube into the urinary tract, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary system and lead to an infection. Nosocomial infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings due to the potential for increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Let's review the other options: A) The common cold contracted from a family member - This is not a nosocomial infection as it is acquired outside of a healthcare setting. C) A fungal skin infection from contaminated soil - This is not a nosocomial infection as it is acquired from environmental exposure, not in a healthcare setting.

5. Which of the following describes the general function of cytokines in the immune system?

• A. They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.
• B. They inhibit blood clotting during inflammation responses.
• C. They bind to specific pathogens to increase pathogen mass.
• D. They transport pathogens trapped in mucus to be destroyed in the stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.' Cytokines are signaling molecules that act as messengers between cells in the immune system, playing a vital role in coordinating and regulating immune responses. They communicate with various immune cells to initiate appropriate responses against pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because cytokines do not inhibit blood clotting but rather regulate immune responses. Choice C is incorrect as cytokines do not bind to specific pathogens to increase their mass; instead, they regulate the immune response. Choice D is also incorrect because cytokines do not transport pathogens trapped in mucus to the stomach for destruction; they primarily function as signaling molecules within the immune system.

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