Nursing Elites

1. What is the role of surfactant in the respiratory system?

• A. To trap dust particles
• B. To increase lung compliance
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To generate oxygen during respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To increase lung compliance. Surfactant is a substance produced by type II alveolar cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension in the alveoli. This reduction in surface tension helps to increase lung compliance, making it easier for the lungs to expand and contract during breathing. Improved lung compliance is essential for efficient gas exchange in the respiratory system, facilitating oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because surfactant does not trap dust particles, produce mucus, or generate oxygen during respiration. Instead, its primary function lies in reducing surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse and improve lung compliance for optimal gas exchange.

2. Which gas is the most abundant in Earth's atmosphere?

• A. Nitrogen
• B. Oxygen
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Argon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, constituting approximately 78% of the air we breathe. It is essential for various biological processes, including plant growth and nitrogen fixation. Moreover, nitrogen is a key component of the greenhouse effect, playing a crucial role in regulating the planet's temperature. Oxygen, while important for respiration, comprises about 21% of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, though vital for photosynthesis and a greenhouse gas, is present in much lower concentrations than nitrogen. Argon, an inert gas, is a minor component of the atmosphere.

3. How many neutrons and electrons could a negative ion of sulfur have?

• A. 16 neutrons, 16 electrons
• B. 16 neutrons, 17 electrons
• C. 17 neutrons, 16 electrons
• D. 17 neutrons, 17 electrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A negative ion of sulfur would have 16 protons and 17 electrons since it gains one electron. The number of neutrons in an ion does not change, so the neutrons would remain at 16. Therefore, the correct answer is 16 neutrons and 17 electrons, which corresponds to choice B. Choice A is incorrect as it does not account for the extra electron gained by the negative ion. Choices C and D are incorrect because they propose a change in the number of neutrons, which is not affected by the ionization process.

4. Which of the following is a function of the liver?

• A. Producing digestive enzymes
• B. Storing bile
• C. Filtering waste products from the blood
• D. Transporting nutrients to cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct function of the liver is to store bile. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is needed to aid in the digestion of fats. While the liver does produce bile, its primary role is to store and release it. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Producing digestive enzymes is mainly the function of the pancreas, filtering waste products from the blood is primarily done by the kidneys, and transporting nutrients to cells is typically associated with the circulatory system rather than the liver.

5. What is a rod-shaped structure that forms when a single DNA molecule and its associated proteins coil tightly before cell division?

• A. Centromere
• B. Chromatid
• C. Chromosome
• D. Gene

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A chromosome is a rod-shaped structure that forms when a single DNA molecule and its associated proteins coil tightly before cell division. It contains the genetic material and is essential for cell division and replication. The centromere is a specific region of a chromosome that plays a role in cell division. A chromatid is one half of a duplicated chromosome, and a gene is a unit of heredity responsible for specific traits. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Chromosome' as it represents the entire condensed DNA molecule during cell division.

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