Nursing Elites

1. What is a mutation?

• A. A change in the DNA sequence
• B. A type of protein
• C. A normal part of the DNA replication process
• D. A harmless variation in DNA

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A mutation is defined as a change in the DNA sequence, which can occur due to various factors such as errors during DNA replication, exposure to mutagens (e.g., chemicals, radiation), or spontaneous changes. These alterations can lead to modifications in the genetic information carried by an organism, resulting in effects that can range from harmless variations to causing genetic disorders or diseases. Mutations play a crucial role in genetic diversity and evolution. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately define what a mutation is. Option B is incorrect because mutations are not a type of protein but rather changes in DNA. Option C is incorrect because while mutations can occur during DNA replication, they are not considered a 'normal' part of the process as they can lead to genetic variations. Option D is incorrect because mutations can have a wide range of effects and are not always harmless variations.

2. What is the protective fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord called?

• A. Blood
• B. Cerebrospinal fluid
• C. Plasma
• D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cerebrospinal fluid is the protective fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a cushion to protect these vital organs from injury and provides nutrients to the nervous system. Blood, plasma, and myelin are not the fluids specifically surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Blood is found within blood vessels, plasma is the liquid component of blood, and myelin is a fatty substance that forms a protective sheath around nerve fibers.

3. Which of the following properties is characteristic of water?

• A. Water has a neutral pH.
• B. Water has a low specific heat capacity.
• C. Water has polar covalent bonds.
• D. Water can dissolve almost any solid, liquid, or gas.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because water's polarity enables it to dissolve a wide variety of substances, making it a versatile solvent. This property is due to water's ability to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules, allowing it to break them apart and surround the solute particles, facilitating dissolution. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as water having a neutral pH, a high specific heat capacity, and polar covalent bonds are also true properties of water. However, the most relevant property related to its versatility as a solvent is its dissolving capability.

4. Where is oxygen exchanged between blood and tissues?

• A. capillaries
• B. veins
• C. ventricles
• D. arteries

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Oxygen is exchanged between blood and tissues primarily at the capillaries. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products occurs between the blood and the tissues. This exchange process is crucial for delivering oxygen to the body's cells and eliminating carbon dioxide waste. Veins carry blood back to the heart, arteries carry blood away from the heart, and ventricles are the lower chambers of the heart responsible for pumping blood. Therefore, capillaries are the correct answer for where oxygen is exchanged between blood and tissues.

5. Antigenic variation, a common strategy used by some viruses, allows them to:

• A. Produce toxins
• B. Evade the immune system
• C. Survive outside a host
• D. Replicate rapidly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antigenic variation is a strategy used by some viruses to evade the host's immune response. By constantly changing their surface antigens, viruses can avoid recognition and destruction by the immune system. This allows the virus to persist in the host and continue replicating, leading to prolonged infection and potential transmission to other hosts. Antigenic variation does not directly involve the production of toxins, survival outside a host, or rapid replication, making options A, C, and D incorrect in this context.

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