Nursing Elites

1. When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) reacts with vinegar (acetic acid), what type of reaction occurs?

• A. Combustion
• B. Double displacement
• C. Decomposition
• D. Synthesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) reacts with vinegar (acetic acid), a double displacement reaction occurs. In this reaction, the positive ions in baking soda switch places with the positive ions in vinegar to form water, carbon dioxide, and a salt. Combustion involves a reaction with oxygen to produce heat and light energy. Decomposition is the breakdown of a compound into simpler substances, which is not the case in the given reaction. Synthesis is the combination of substances to form a more complex compound, which is also not the type of reaction observed when baking soda and vinegar react.

2. What is the main function of white blood cells?

• A. Transport oxygen
• B. Fight infection
• C. Produce antibodies
• D. Regulate body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of white blood cells is to fight infection, making choice B the correct answer. White blood cells are a crucial component of the immune system, working to defend the body against pathogens and foreign invaders. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because white blood cells do not primarily transport oxygen, produce antibodies, or regulate body temperature. While some blood cells are involved in these functions, the primary role of white blood cells is to combat infections and maintain the body's immune response.

3. What is the electrical charge of the nucleus?

• A. A nucleus always has a positive charge.
• B. A stable nucleus has a positive charge, but a radioactive nucleus may have no charge and instead be neutral.
• C. A nucleus always has no charge and is instead neutral.
• D. A stable nucleus has no charge and is instead neutral, but a radioactive nucleus may have a charge.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A nucleus always has a positive charge. This is because the nucleus is composed of positively charged protons, along with neutral neutrons. The positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the surrounding electrons in an atom, resulting in an overall neutral charge for the atom as a whole. Therefore, choice A is correct as it accurately reflects the positive charge of the nucleus due to the presence of protons. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the fundamental composition and charge distribution within an atom's nucleus. A stable nucleus consists of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, leading to an overall positive charge, and not a neutral charge as suggested in the incorrect choices.

4. Not all cells in the pancreas secrete insulin because of the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the release of insulin by all cells. What type of intercellular chemical signal does this illustrate?

• A. Autocrine
• B. Neuromodulator
• C. Paracrine
• D. Pheromone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paracrine. Somatostatin acts in a paracrine manner by inhibiting the release of insulin from nearby cells within the pancreas. Paracrine signaling involves the secretion of signals that act on neighboring cells, as seen in this scenario where somatostatin affects nearby pancreatic cells without entering the bloodstream or affecting distant cells. Autocrine signaling involves cells responding to substances they themselves release, which is not the case here. Neuromodulators are chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, not directly related to this scenario. Pheromones are chemicals released into the environment to communicate with individuals of the same species, not relevant to the signaling within the pancreas.

5. Which two types of elements are most likely to form an ionic bond?

• A. Two elements that are in the same period.
• B. Two elements that are non-metals and have p orbitals.
• C. One element that is a transition metal with d orbitals and one element that is a metal with s orbitals.
• D. One element that is a metal with s orbitals and one element that is a nonmetal with p orbitals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionic bonds typically form between a metal, which donates electrons from its s orbital, and a nonmetal, which accepts electrons into its p orbital. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of an ionic bond. Choice A is incorrect as elements in the same period may vary significantly in their properties. Choice B is incorrect because ionic bonds are usually formed between a metal and a nonmetal, not two nonmetals. Choice C is incorrect because transition metals generally form complex ions through the sharing of electrons, not typical ionic bonds.

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