Nursing Elites

1. Which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Maltase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pepsin. Pepsin is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which becomes activated by the acidic environment in the stomach. Pepsin functions by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, which are further digested by other enzymes in the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrates, and maltase for converting maltose into glucose. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and converting maltose, respectively, not proteins.

2. What is the first number in a blood pressure reading?

• A. Diastolic pressure
• B. Mean arterial pressure
• C. Pulse rate
• D. Systolic pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Systolic pressure. In a blood pressure reading, the first number represents the systolic pressure, which is the maximum pressure in the arteries during heart contraction. The second number in the reading is the diastolic pressure, which indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse rate are not the first numbers in a blood pressure reading.

3. Which of the following is a common property of both acids and bases?

• A. React with metals to produce hydrogen gas
• B. Taste sour
• C. Turn blue litmus paper red
• D. Conduct electricity when dissolved in water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Both acids and bases can conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Acids ionize in water to produce H+ ions, which can carry an electric current, while bases ionize to produce OH- ions, which also conduct electricity. The other options are not common properties of both acids and bases. Reacting with metals to produce hydrogen gas is characteristic of acids, tasting sour is a property of acids, and turning blue litmus paper red is a property of bases, not a common property shared by both.

4. Which of the following is a pair of nerves that originates from the brain?

• A. Spinal nerves
• B. Olfactory nerves
• C. Sciatic nerve
• D. Optic nerve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The olfactory nerves, choice B, are a pair of cranial nerves that originate from the brain. They are responsible for the sense of smell and are the only cranial nerves that directly connect to the cerebrum. Spinal nerves, choice A, originate from the spinal cord, the sciatic nerve, choice C, is a large nerve that originates in the lower back, and the optic nerve, choice D, originates from the retina of the eye. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not originate directly from the brain.

5. What is the scientific term for the study of genes and their role in disease?

• A. Molecular biology
• B. Biochemistry
• C. Evolutionary biology
• D. Genomic medicine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Genomic medicine is the scientific discipline that specifically focuses on the study of genes and their involvement in disease processes. It seeks to understand how variations in an individual's genes can influence their predisposition to certain diseases or affect their response to treatment. This field plays a crucial role in personalized medicine by utilizing genetic information to tailor healthcare decisions and interventions to individual patients. Molecular biology, biochemistry, and evolutionary biology, while related to genetics in various ways, do not have the primary focus on the role of genes in disease as genomic medicine does.

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