Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary source of energy entering most ecosystems?

• A. Chemical energy stored in bonds
• B. Thermal energy from the Earth's core
• C. Light energy from the sun
• D. Kinetic energy from wind and water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In most ecosystems, the primary source of energy is sunlight. This energy is captured by plants and other photosynthetic organisms through the process of photosynthesis. These organisms convert light energy into chemical energy stored in the bonds of organic molecules, such as glucose. This stored chemical energy is then passed on to other organisms in the ecosystem through the food chain, making sunlight the fundamental source of energy for most ecosystems. Thermal energy from the Earth's core (option B) is not a primary source of energy for ecosystems, as it is not readily accessible to most organisms. Kinetic energy from wind and water (option D) can play a role in some ecosystems, but it is not the primary source of energy. Chemical energy stored in bonds (option A) is a form of energy that is ultimately derived from the sun through photosynthesis, making it a product of the primary energy source rather than the primary source itself.

2. How do vaccines primarily function within the body?

• A. Creating a physical barrier against pathogens
• B. Triggering an inflammatory response
• C. Developing immunological memory to a specific pathogen
• D. Activating phagocytes to engulf pathogens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vaccines primarily function by stimulating the immune system to develop immunological memory to a specific pathogen. When a vaccine is administered, it exposes the immune system to a harmless version of a pathogen or a piece of it. This exposure triggers the immune response, leading to the production of antibodies and memory cells specific to that pathogen. Choice A is incorrect because vaccines do not create a physical barrier; rather, they prepare the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. Choice B is incorrect as vaccines do trigger an immune response, but the primary goal is to create memory rather than inflammation. Choice D is incorrect as vaccines do not directly activate phagocytes; instead, they stimulate the immune system to generate a targeted response against a particular pathogen.

3. How can the periodic table be used to predict the charge of an ion formed by an element?

• A. Look for elements with similar atomic weights.
• B. Identify the group number, which corresponds to the typical ionic charge.
• C. Calculate the difference between protons and electrons.
• D. Analyze the element's position within the period.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The group number of an element on the periodic table corresponds to the number of valence electrons it has. Elements in the same group tend to form ions with the same charge. For example, elements in Group 1 typically form ions with a +1 charge, while elements in Group 17 typically form ions with a -1 charge. Therefore, by identifying the group number of an element, one can predict the typical ionic charge it will form. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because predicting the charge of an ion is mainly based on the element's position in the periodic table, particularly the group number, which indicates the number of valence electrons and the typical ionic charge it may form.

4. Which part of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs?

• A. Left atrium
• B. Right atrium
• C. Left ventricle
• D. Right ventricle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the left atrium. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, which is then pumped into the left ventricle and out to the rest of the body. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and sends it to the right ventricle to be pumped to the lungs for oxygenation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly receive oxygenated blood from the lungs.

5. Which of the following functions is NOT performed by the integumentary system, the skin?

• A. Protect internal tissues from injury
• B. Waterproof the body
• C. Help regulate body temperature
• D. Return fluid to the blood vessels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The integumentary system, which includes the skin, performs various functions like protecting internal tissues from injury, waterproofing the body, and helping regulate body temperature. The function of returning fluid to the blood vessels is primarily associated with the lymphatic system, not the integumentary system. The skin contributes to fluid balance by regulating sweating and preventing excessive water loss, but it does not directly return fluid to the blood vessels, making this the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are functions directly related to the integumentary system and are essential for maintaining the body's overall health and well-being.

Similar Questions