Nursing Elites

1. How do vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop memory without causing full-blown illness? What type of molecule in a vaccine typically triggers the immune response?

• A. Toxins produced by the pathogen
• B. Live, attenuated (weakened) forms of the pathogen
• C. Inactivated (dead) forms of the pathogen
• D. Antigens (specific molecules) from the pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vaccines work by triggering the immune system to develop memory without causing illness. They typically contain antigens, which are specific molecules from the pathogen. These antigens stimulate the immune system to produce a targeted immune response without causing full-blown sickness. By presenting these antigens, vaccines help the immune system create memory cells that remember the pathogen. This memory allows the immune system to respond more effectively if it encounters the pathogen in the future. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because vaccines do not typically contain toxins, live pathogens, or inactivated forms of the pathogen. Instead, vaccines primarily rely on specific molecules (antigens) to induce an immune response.

2. Which of the following describes how atomic radius varies across the periodic table?

• A. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table.
• B. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and right to left on the periodic table.
• C. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the halogens on the periodic table.
• D. Atomic radius increases from top to bottom and toward the noble gases on the periodic table.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atomic radius tends to increase from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table. This is because as you move down a group (top to bottom), new energy levels are added, increasing the distance of the outer electrons from the nucleus and thus increasing the size of the atom. On the other hand, as you move from left to right across a period, the number of protons and electrons increases, leading to a stronger nuclear charge that attracts the electrons closer to the nucleus, resulting in smaller atomic radii. Choice B is incorrect as atomic radius does not increase from right to left. Choices C and D are incorrect as they incorrectly associate the trend with specific groups of elements (halogens and noble gases) rather than the general trend observed on the periodic table.

3. An atom has 5 protons, 5 neutrons, and 6 electrons. What is the electric charge of this atom?

• A. Neutral
• B. Positive
• C. Negative
• D. Undetermined

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Negative.' An atom becomes negatively charged when it has more electrons than protons. In this case, the atom has 6 electrons and 5 protons, resulting in a net negative charge. Choice A 'Neutral' is incorrect because the atom is not balanced in terms of protons and electrons. Choice B 'Positive' is incorrect because having more electrons than protons results in a negative charge. Choice D 'Undetermined' is incorrect, as the charge can be determined based on the relative number of protons and electrons.

4. What correction should the student make to the hypothesis: Lengthening the string of the pendulum increases the time it takes the ball to make one complete period?

• A. Turn it into an 'if-then' statement.
• B. Change 'will increase' to 'increases.'
• C. Switch the order of the sentence so that the phrase about the period comes first.
• D. No corrections are needed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A hypothesis should be structured as an 'if-then' statement for clarity. This format helps to clearly establish the relationship between the variables and the expected outcome. In this case, the student should frame the hypothesis in a way that if a specific action is taken (lengthening the string), then a specific outcome is expected (increasing the time it takes for the ball to make one complete period). 'If-then' statements are fundamental in hypothesis construction as they clearly define the cause and effect relationship being tested. Choice B is incorrect because changing 'will increase' to 'increases' does not address the structural issue of the hypothesis. Choice C is incorrect as switching the order of the sentence does not fundamentally alter the clarity of the hypothesis. Choice D is incorrect as the hypothesis structure can be improved for better understanding and testing, making correction necessary.

5. Which of the following structures is responsible for filtering lymph and supporting the immune system?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Lymph nodes
• C. Pancreas
• D. Liver

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lymph nodes are responsible for filtering lymph and supporting the immune system. They contain immune cells that trap and destroy pathogens, making them crucial in immune response. The other choices, kidneys, pancreas, and liver, do not play a direct role in filtering lymph or supporting the immune system. The kidneys filter blood to remove waste and regulate electrolytes, the pancreas is involved in digestion and blood sugar regulation, and the liver is primarily responsible for detoxification and metabolism.

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