Nursing Elites

1. What is an isotope? For any given element, it is an atom with which of the following?

• A. a different atomic number
• B. a different number of protons
• C. a different number of electrons
• D. a different mass number

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An isotope of an element is an atom with a different number of neutrons, resulting in a different mass number. Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons (which determines the element's identity) but differ in the number of neutrons, leading to variations in mass numbers. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same atomic number. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes of the same element have the same number of electrons.

2. Which structure in the respiratory system is responsible for preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing?

• A. Bronchi
• B. Larynx
• C. Alveoli
• D. Pharynx

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The larynx, housing the epiglottis, a flap of tissue, is the structure responsible for preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing. It acts as a protective barrier, covering the trachea to ensure that ingested substances are directed to the esophagus. The bronchi are the primary airway passages that branch from the trachea into the lungs. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The pharynx is the passage connecting the mouth and nasal cavity to the esophagus and trachea.

3. After the Industrial Revolution, the population of peppered moths in England shifted towards more dark moths. This is an example of:

• A. Artificial selection (selective breeding by humans for desired traits)
• B. Natural selection acting on pre-existing variation
• C. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• D. Lamarckism (inheritance of acquired characteristics)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The shift in the peppered moth population towards more dark moths in England after the Industrial Revolution exemplifies natural selection acting on pre-existing variation. Initially, light-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered tree trunks, but with industrial pollution darkening the tree trunks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage. This change reflects how the environment favored dark moths over light ones, illustrating natural selection. The process illustrates how organisms with traits advantageous in a changing environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. The choices of artificial selection (A), punctuated equilibrium (C), and Lamarckism (D) are not applicable in this scenario. Artificial selection involves intentional breeding by humans, punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by periods of stability, and Lamarckism suggests the inheritance of acquired characteristics, none of which align with the observed shift in moth populations based on environmental changes.

4. Which of the following vessels is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body?

• A. Right ventricle
• B. Left ventricle
• C. Pulmonary artery
• D. Aorta

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The aorta is the correct answer because it is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood away from the heart and distributes it to all parts of the body, providing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery, the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body through the aorta, and the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.

5. Which of the following structures is responsible for preventing the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?

• A. Aortic valve
• B. Pulmonary valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Mitral valve. The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is situated between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Its primary function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. The other choices are incorrect because: A) The aortic valve prevents backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle. B) The pulmonary valve prevents backflow from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle. C) The tricuspid valve prevents backflow from the right ventricle into the right atrium.

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