Nursing Elites

1. What is the periodic table?

• A. A table of elements that are arranged in order of increasing atomic number.
• B. A table of elements that are arranged in order of increasing atomic mass.
• C. A table of elements that are arranged in order of their reactivity.
• D. A table of elements that are arranged in order of their color.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized based on their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are placed in rows (periods) and columns (groups) with similar properties. The elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This arrangement reveals a periodic repetition of chemical properties, forming the basis of the periodic law. Choice B, which suggests arranging elements based on increasing atomic mass, is incorrect because the periodic table is primarily organized by atomic number, not atomic mass. Choices C and D are also incorrect as the periodic table is not based on reactivity or color of elements, but rather on atomic number and properties.

2. Which of the following is the main organ responsible for absorbing nutrients?

• A. Stomach
• B. Small intestine
• C. Large intestine
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the main organ responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. It is where the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals occurs. The inner lining of the small intestine is covered in tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. While the stomach plays a role in breaking down food into smaller particles, the actual absorption of nutrients primarily takes place in the small intestine. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, and the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones but is not primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients.

3. Decomposers in an ecosystem play a vital role by:

• A. Photosynthesizing and producing organic matter
• B. Breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the environment
• C. Preying on herbivores and controlling their populations
• D. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and making it available to plants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. By doing so, they help to recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for other organisms to use. This process is essential for the functioning of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients are not lost but instead are continuously cycled through the ecosystem. Photosynthesis (option A) is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and it is not a role of decomposers. Preying on herbivores (option C) is a role typically carried out by predators, not decomposers. Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere (option D) is a process carried out by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not decomposers.

4. Which hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle?

• A. Cortisol
• B. Melatonin
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Melatonin. Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It helps signal to the body when it's time to sleep and wake up, playing a crucial role in maintaining a healthy sleep pattern. Choice A, Cortisol, is known as the stress hormone and plays a role in the body's response to stress, not specifically in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Choice C, Thyroxine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, not the sleep-wake cycle. Choice D, Insulin, is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels, not the sleep-wake cycle.

5. The chemical equation below is unbalanced. When it is properly balanced, how many molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced for each molecule of propane (C3H8) in the reaction? 3C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

• A. One Half.
• B. Two.
• C. Three.
• D. Five.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of propane is: 3C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O. This equation shows that for every 3 molecules of propane (C3H8) consumed, 3 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced. Therefore, when properly balanced, 3CO2 are produced for each molecule of propane used. Thus, the correct answer is B: Two. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct stoichiometry as determined by the balanced equation.

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