Nursing Elites

1. Water is capable of dissolving many substances that organisms need to carry out life functions. Which of the properties of water listed below is responsible for its ability to dissolve important nutrients like ionic salt compounds?

• A. adhesion
• B. cohesion
• C. high specific heat
• D. high polarity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The property of water that is responsible for its ability to dissolve important nutrients like ionic salt compounds is its high polarity. Water is a polar molecule with a positive and negative end, which allows it to attract and surround individual ions from salt compounds, causing them to dissociate and dissolve in water. This property makes water an excellent solvent for various substances necessary for life functions. Adhesion refers to the ability of water molecules to stick to other substances, cohesion is the attraction between water molecules themselves, and high specific heat is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of water. While these properties are important characteristics of water, they are not directly responsible for its ability to dissolve ionic salt compounds.

2. The adrenal cortex produces a group of steroid hormones called corticosteroids. What is a MAJOR function of corticosteroids?

• A. Regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels
• B. Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance
• C. Stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response
• D. Promote growth and development during puberty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corticosteroids, produced by the adrenal cortex, primarily function to control blood pressure and electrolyte balance. One of the key corticosteroids, aldosterone, plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. This regulation is essential for maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because corticosteroids do not primarily regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response, or promote growth and development during puberty. While corticosteroids can have effects on insulin sensitivity, immune response, and growth, their major role is in maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

3. Which of the following macromolecules will always contain nitrogen?

• A. Fatty acids
• B. Proteins
• C. Lipids
• D. Carbohydrates

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proteins. Proteins are the only macromolecules that always contain nitrogen in their amino acid structure. Nitrogen is a key element found in the amino groups of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Fatty acids (Choice A), lipids (Choice C), and carbohydrates (Choice D) do not always contain nitrogen in their structure. Fatty acids are composed of long hydrocarbon chains and do not contain nitrogen. Lipids consist mainly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with some classes of lipids containing phosphorus but not nitrogen. Carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, forming structures like sugars and starches, but they do not contain nitrogen.

4. Which of the following substances can donate a hydroxide ion (OH-) in solution?

• A. Salt
• B. Base
• C. Neutral compound
• D. Dehydrating agent

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Base. A base is a substance that can donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution. Bases increase the concentration of hydroxide ions by either accepting protons (H+) or donating hydroxide ions. Salts are ionic compounds made of cations and anions, which do not directly donate hydroxide ions. Neutral compounds do not significantly affect the concentration of hydroxide ions. Dehydrating agents are substances that remove water molecules from other compounds, unrelated to donating hydroxide ions.

5. What is the term for the mixture of reactants and products present during a chemical reaction?

• A. Solution
• B. Mixture
• C. Reaction mixture
• D. Precipitate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term 'reaction mixture' is used to describe the combination of both reactants and products that exist simultaneously during a chemical reaction. It encompasses not only the initial substances (reactants) but also the resulting compounds (products) formed throughout the reaction process. Choice A, 'Solution,' typically refers to a homogenous mixture where one substance is dissolved in another. Choice B, 'Mixture,' is a general term that does not specifically indicate the mix of reactants and products in a chemical reaction. Choice D, 'Precipitate,' specifically refers to the solid formed when two solutions react and a solid compound is produced.

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