Nursing Elites

1. What is a gene, and what is the relationship between genes, genotype, and phenotype?

• A. A gene is a sequence of amino acids; genes make up proteins; genotype determines phenotype
• B. A gene is a portion of DNA; genes determine traits; genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the physical manifestation
• C. A gene is a protein; proteins determine traits; genotype is the set of all genes
• D. A gene is a lipid; lipids determine traits; phenotype is the physical manifestation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A gene is a portion of DNA that contains the instructions for a specific trait. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all its genes. Phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical manifestation resulting from the interaction between an organism's genotype and environmental factors. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not consist of amino acids directly; they are sequences of nucleotides. Choice C is incorrect as genes do not determine traits directly but provide the instructions for proteins that may influence traits. Choice D is incorrect as genes are not lipids, and lipids do not determine traits; they are a type of biomolecule with different functions.

2. What is the purpose of sodium bicarbonate when released into the lumen of the small intestine?

• A. It works to chemically digest fats in the chyme.
• B. It decreases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.
• C. It works to chemically digest proteins in the chyme.
• D. It increases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sodium bicarbonate, when released into the lumen of the small intestine, functions to increase the pH of the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This increase in pH helps neutralize the acidity of the chyme, creating a more optimal environment for the digestive enzymes in the small intestine to function properly. Maintaining a slightly basic pH in the small intestine is crucial for overall digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate does not chemically digest fats or proteins in the chyme, and it does not decrease the pH of the chyme as it actually increases the pH to prevent harm to the intestine.

3. What is the main component of stomach acid?

• A. Hydrochloric acid
• B. Bicarbonate
• C. Bile salts
• D. Enzymes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Stomach acid, also known as gastric acid, is primarily composed of hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid plays a crucial role in the digestive process by helping to break down food and kill bacteria in the stomach. Bicarbonate is a base that helps neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine, but it is not the main component of stomach acid. Bile salts are produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats, but they are not the main component of stomach acid. Enzymes are proteins that help catalyze chemical reactions in the body, including the breakdown of food molecules during digestion, but they are not the main component of stomach acid.

4. A substance is only considered acidic if it has a pH less than what?

• A. 12
• B. 9
• C. 7
• D. 4

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A substance is considered acidic if its pH is less than 7. pH values below 7 indicate acidity, while pH values above 7 indicate alkalinity or basicity. Substances with a pH less than 7 are categorized as acidic, not above it. Therefore, a substance is classified as acidic if its pH is less than 7, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a pH of 12, 9, and 4, respectively, are all above 7, and therefore not indicative of acidity.

5. A patient's body is not properly filtering blood. Which of the following body parts is most likely malfunctioning?

• A. Medulla
• B. Heart
• C. Nephrons
• D. Renal cortex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and removing waste products to form urine. If a patient's body is not properly filtering blood, it is most likely due to dysfunction or impairment in the nephrons of the kidneys. The heart is responsible for pumping blood, not filtering it, making choice B incorrect. The medulla and renal cortex are specific parts of the kidney but do not directly perform the filtration function carried out by the nephrons, making choices A and D incorrect.

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