Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an example of a fibrous protein?

• A. Insulin
• B. Keratin
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. Collagen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Insulin is a hormone, not a fibrous protein. It is produced in the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels. B) Keratin is a fibrous structural protein found in hair, nails, and the outer skin layer, providing strength and protection. C) Hemoglobin is a globular protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport; it is not fibrous. D) Collagen is a fibrous protein found in tendons, ligaments, and skin, offering strength and structure to connective tissues. Therefore, the correct answer is collagen, making it the main component of various connective tissues.

2. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

• A. Cramp
• B. Spasm
• C. Tic
• D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

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. Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor for proper absorption?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin B12

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach, for proper absorption in the small intestine. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 and facilitates its absorption in the ileum. Deficiency in intrinsic factor can lead to pernicious anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 absorption. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Vitamin A is absorbed in the small intestine with the help of bile salts; Vitamin C is absorbed in the small intestine via active transport; Vitamin D is absorbed in the small intestine through a process involving bile salts and micelles. It is essential for students to understand this relationship as it highlights the importance of intrinsic factor in the absorption of specific vitamins and the consequences of its deficiency.

5. Which of the following statements regarding the pericardium is not correct?

• A. It allows for the heart to work in a relatively friction-free environment
• B. It is a single-walled layer around the heart
• C. It prevents overfilling of the heart with blood
• D. It protects and anchors the heart

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement about the pericardium is that it is double-walled, not single-walled. Choice A is correct because the pericardium does allow the heart to work in a relatively friction-free environment, reducing friction during heartbeats. Choice C is correct as the pericardium helps prevent the overfilling of the heart with blood. Choice D is also correct as the pericardium serves to protect and anchor the heart in place within the chest cavity.

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