Nursing Elites

1. What does the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determine?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is referred to as the atomic number. This atomic number is crucial as it uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. The mass number, on the other hand, represents the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Isotopes are variants of elements with the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons. Valence electron count pertains to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, which influences its chemical behavior.

2. Calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium levels, is produced by the:

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Parathyroid gland
• C. Thymus gland
• D. Adrenal gland

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It helps regulate calcium levels in the body by inhibiting the breakdown of bone and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. The parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone (PTH), which works in opposition to calcitonin to regulate calcium levels. The thymus gland is involved in the development of the immune system, and the adrenal gland produces hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland as it specifically secretes calcitonin for calcium regulation.

3. What is the outermost layer of the dermis, rich in collagen and elastin fibers that provide elasticity to the skin?

• A. Papillary layer
• B. Reticular layer
• C. Stratum basale
• D. Stratum corneum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the reticular layer. This layer is the outermost layer of the dermis that contains abundant collagen and elastin fibers, providing elasticity to the skin. The papillary layer is located beneath the epidermis and is responsible for supplying nutrients to the epidermis, not the outermost layer. The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are produced, not part of the dermis. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis composed of dead skin cells, not a layer of the dermis.

4. Which muscle causes a joint to bend?

• A. Cardiac
• B. Extension
• C. Flexor
• D. Smooth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Flexor. A flexor muscle contracts to bend a joint, such as bending the elbow or knee. Flexor muscles are responsible for flexing or bending a joint, while extensor muscles are responsible for extending or straightening a joint. Choice A, Cardiac, is incorrect as cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood. Choice B, Extension, is incorrect as extension refers to the straightening or extending movement of a joint, which is opposite to bending. Choice D, Smooth, is incorrect as smooth muscles are involuntary muscles found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels, not directly responsible for bending joints.

5. What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope, and how does it relate to its decay rate?

• A. The time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay.
• B. The time it takes for all of the sample to decay.
• C. The rate at which new isotopes are created.
• D. The energy released during decay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay. After one half-life, half of the radioactive atoms have decayed. The decay rate, however, refers to the rate at which radioactive atoms decay, which is not directly related to the half-life. Choice B is incorrect because it does not correctly define the half-life. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the creation of new isotopes, not the decay process. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the energy released during decay, which is not the same as the concept of half-life.

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