Nursing Elites

1. What information can be obtained from the mass number of an element?

• A. The number of protons in the nucleus
• B. The total number of protons and neutrons
• C. The number of electrons in the valence shell
• D. The element's chemical reactivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mass number of an element represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. This information is crucial for determining the atomic mass of the element and understanding its stability and isotopes. The number of protons in the nucleus (option A) is represented by the atomic number, not the mass number. The number of electrons in the valence shell (option C) is related to the element's position in the periodic table and its chemical properties, but it is not directly determined by the mass number. The element's chemical reactivity (option D) is influenced by the number and arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy levels, not by the mass number.

2. In the human skeleton, which of the following lists some of the vertebrae in descending order?

• A. Atlas, axis, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccyx.
• B. Axis, sacral, coccyx, atlas, lumbar, thoracic.
• C. Thoracic, sacral, lumbar, axis, coccyx, atlas.
• D. Coccyx, lumbar, axis, sacral, thoracic, atlas.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct order of some of the vertebrae in the human skeleton in descending order is Atlas, Axis, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, Coccyx. This sequence follows the typical arrangement from the top of the spine down towards the pelvis. Choice B is incorrect as it does not follow the descending order of vertebrae. Choice C is incorrect as it starts with Thoracic which is not the first vertebra in the descending order. Choice D is incorrect as it starts with Coccyx which is the last vertebra in the descending order.

3. What do isotopes of the same element have in common?

• A. Identical number of protons and neutrons.
• B. Identical chemical properties.
• C. Identical number of electrons.
• D. Identical mass number.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons, which defines the element, but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count results in isotopes of the same element having different mass numbers. Chemical properties are determined by the arrangement of electrons in an atom, so isotopes of the same element may exhibit slightly different chemical behaviors due to different neutron numbers. The number of electrons can vary in isotopes, affecting their charge. However, the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons, is the same for isotopes of the same element. Therefore, the correct answer is that isotopes of the same element share an identical mass number.

4. What function do ribosomes serve within the cell?

• A. Ribosomes are responsible for cell movement.
• B. Ribosomes aid in protein synthesis.
• C. Ribosomes help protect the cell from its environment.
• D. Ribosomes have enzymes that help with digestion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ribosomes serve a crucial role in protein synthesis by translating mRNA into proteins. They are not involved in cell movement, protecting the cell from the environment, or aiding in digestion. Choice A is incorrect because ribosomes are not responsible for cell movement. Choice C is incorrect because ribosomes do not primarily protect the cell from its environment. Choice D is incorrect because ribosomes do not have enzymes that aid in digestion.

5. Which region of the small intestine is the primary site of absorption?

• A. Duodenum
• B. Jejunum
• C. Ileum
• D. Cecum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The jejunum is the correct answer. It is the primary site of nutrient absorption in the small intestine. The duodenum mainly facilitates digestion, the ileum is responsible for further absorption, while the cecum is part of the large intestine and not involved in nutrient absorption.

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