Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which element is found in water and is crucial for biological functions like nerve impulses and muscle contraction?

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Sodium. Sodium is found in water and is crucial for biological functions like nerve impulses and muscle contraction. It plays a key role in maintaining electrolyte balance and transmitting nerve impulses, affecting both muscles and nerves. Potassium (Choice B), although essential for nerve function and muscle control, is not typically found in water. Calcium (Choice C) is important for bone health and muscle function, but it is not the element found in water. Magnesium (Choice D) is also essential for various biological functions but is not the element commonly found in water.

3. What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope, and how does it relate to its decay rate?

• A. The time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay.
• B. The time it takes for all of the sample to decay.
• C. The rate at which new isotopes are created.
• D. The energy released during decay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay. After one half-life, half of the radioactive atoms have decayed. The decay rate, however, refers to the rate at which radioactive atoms decay, which is not directly related to the half-life. Choice B is incorrect because it does not correctly define the half-life. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the creation of new isotopes, not the decay process. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the energy released during decay, which is not the same as the concept of half-life.

4. Which type of mutation involves a change in the number of chromosomes?

• A. Point mutation
• B. Frameshift mutation
• C. Missense mutation
• D. Aneuploidy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Point mutation involves a change in a single nucleotide base pair within the DNA sequence. B) Frameshift mutation involves the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, causing a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code. C) Missense mutation involves a single nucleotide change that results in a codon that codes for a different amino acid. D) Aneuploidy involves a change in the number of chromosomes, where an individual may have an extra chromosome (trisomy) or a missing chromosome (monosomy). Aneuploidy can lead to genetic disorders such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Turner syndrome (monosomy X). Changing the number of chromosomes is a characteristic feature of aneuploidy, making it the correct answer. Point mutation, frameshift mutation, and missense mutation do not involve a change in the number of chromosomes and are focused on alterations at the nucleotide level within the DNA sequence.

5. What is the fluid-filled, jelly-like substance within the cell that suspends the organelles called?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Plasma membrane
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, cytoplasm. Cytoplasm is the fluid-filled, jelly-like substance within the cell that suspends the organelles. The nucleus, not the correct answer, is the organelle that contains the cell's genetic material. The plasma membrane, another incorrect choice, is the outer boundary of the cell that regulates what enters and exits the cell. The Golgi apparatus, also an incorrect choice, is an organelle involved in processing and packaging proteins.

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