Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. During embryonic development, most vertebrates exhibit structures called pharyngeal pouches. These pouches eventually develop into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the human jaw and inner ear. Pharyngeal pouches are an example of:

• A. Analogous structures with different evolutionary origins but similar functions
• B. Homologous structures with a common evolutionary origin but diverse functions
• C. Vestigial structures that no longer serve a vital function in some organisms
• D. Atavisms, the reappearance of a trait absent in recent generations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates are an example of homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin. Despite developing into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the jaw and inner ear in humans, these structures originated from the same ancestral feature. This concept of homology highlights the evolutionary relationship between different species and how structures can be modified over time to serve different functions while retaining a common origin. Choice A is incorrect because analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins, which does not apply to pharyngeal pouches. Choice C is incorrect as vestigial structures are remnants of features that were functional in ancestors but have reduced or lost their original function, which is not the case for pharyngeal pouches. Choice D is incorrect because atavisms refer to the reappearance of traits absent in recent generations, which is not the characteristic of pharyngeal pouches.

3. What happens when an atom loses an electron?

• A. It forms a molecule.
• B. It gains a positive charge and becomes an ion.
• C. It alters its elemental identity.
• D. No change occurs; it remains neutral.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an atom loses an electron, it gains a positive charge and becomes an ion. This occurs because the number of protons in the atom exceeds the number of electrons, leading to a positive charge. Therefore, the atom undergoes a transformation into an ion by losing an electron. Choice A is incorrect because losing an electron does not result in the formation of a molecule, as molecules are made up of bonded atoms. Choice C is incorrect because losing an electron does not change the fundamental identity of the atom; it only changes its charge. Choice D is incorrect because losing an electron causes the atom to become positively charged, altering its neutrality.

4. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells?

• A. Insulin
• B. Glucagon
• C. Cortisol
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin is the correct answer. It is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the absorption of glucose into cells. When blood sugar levels are elevated, insulin is released to help cells utilize glucose for energy or store it for future use. Glucagon, choice B, is produced by the pancreas as well but has the opposite effect of raising blood sugar levels by releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream. Cortisol, choice C, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is involved in the stress response and metabolism, not specifically in regulating blood sugar levels. Thyroxine, choice D, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism but is not directly involved in the uptake of glucose into cells.

5. Which element is essential for the formation of hemoglobin?

• A. Calcium
• B. Iron
• C. Potassium
• D. Sodium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Iron. Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen throughout the body. Calcium (Choice A), Potassium (Choice C), and Sodium (Choice D) are not directly involved in the formation of hemoglobin and its oxygen-carrying function.

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