Nursing Elites

1. The pancreas releases a number of digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Which of the following enzymes is NOT produced by the pancreas?

• A. Trypsin (protein digestion)
• B. Amylase (carbohydrate digestion)
• C. Lipase (fat digestion)
• D. Lactase (sugar digestion)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, and it is produced by the small intestine, not the pancreas. The pancreas produces enzymes like trypsin for protein digestion, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and lipase for fat digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because trypsin, amylase, and lipase are indeed enzymes produced by the pancreas for the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively.

2. Which of the following best describes a chemical change?

• A. Melting ice to form water
• B. Dissolving sugar in water
• C. Burning wood to produce ash
• D. Crushing a can to reduce its size

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A chemical change involves a chemical reaction where new substances are formed. Burning wood to produce ash is an example of a chemical change because the wood undergoes a chemical reaction to form a new substance (ash). In this process, the chemical composition of wood changes to produce ash, which is a new substance. On the other hand, melting ice to form water, dissolving sugar in water, and crushing a can to reduce its size are examples of physical changes. In these instances, the substances may change their physical state or appearance but do not undergo a chemical reaction to form new substances. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it represents a chemical change, while choices A, B, and D represent physical changes.

3. Two objects with equal masses collide head-on, both initially moving at the same speed. After the collision, they stick together. What is their final velocity?

• A. Zero
• B. Half their initial velocity
• C. Their initial velocity
• D. Twice their initial velocity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In an inelastic collision where two objects stick together after colliding, momentum is conserved. Since the two objects have equal masses and equal initial velocities but opposite directions, their momenta cancel out. Therefore, after the collision, the combined mass will move at the same speed as the initial velocity, but in the direction of one of the objects. Choice A ('Zero') is incorrect because momentum is conserved, and the objects must move after the collision. Choice B ('Half their initial velocity') is incorrect as the final velocity is the same as the initial velocity due to momentum conservation. Choice D ('Twice their initial velocity') is incorrect as the final velocity cannot be twice the initial velocity based on the conservation of momentum principle.

4. What is the process of converting ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion, into a less toxic form?

• A. Deamination
• B. Transamination
• C. Decarboxylation
• D. Hydrolysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Deamination is the correct answer. It is the process of removing an amino group from a molecule, like converting ammonia (NH3) into a less toxic form such as urea. Ammonia, a byproduct of protein digestion, must be converted into a less toxic form for excretion. Deamination is a crucial step that mainly occurs in the liver through the urea cycle. Transamination involves transferring an amino group from one molecule to another, not removing it as in deamination. Decarboxylation is the removal of a carboxyl group from a molecule, and hydrolysis is the breakdown of a compound by adding water.

5. What describes a cell’s reaction to being placed in a hypertonic solution?

• A. The cell will shrink as water is pulled out of the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• B. The cell will swell as water is pulled into the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• C. The cell will remain the same size since the concentrations inside and outside the cell are equal to begin with.
• D. The pH inside the cell will drop in order to equalize the pH inside and outside the cell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A cell placed in a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. This creates a concentration gradient that causes water to move out of the cell through osmosis to equalize the concentrations on both sides. As a result, the cell will shrink or undergo plasmolysis, as water is pulled out of the cell. Choice B is incorrect because a hypertonic solution causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage rather than swelling. Choice C is incorrect as a hypertonic solution results in a concentration gradient that leads to water leaving the cell, causing it to shrink. Choice D is incorrect because pH is not directly affected by being placed in a hypertonic solution; the change in solute concentration primarily impacts water movement.

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