Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an example of a polymer?

• A. Methane
• B. Ethanol
• C. Polyethylene
• D. Acetic acid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Polyethylene. Polyethylene is a polymer composed of a large number of repeating ethylene units linked together, forming a long-chain molecule, characteristic of polymers. Methane, ethanol, and acetic acid are small organic molecules that do not demonstrate the repeating unit structure typical of polymers. Therefore, they are not examples of polymers.

2. What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

• A. Active immunity is short-lived, while passive immunity is long-lasting.
• B. Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, while passive immunity provides immediate protection through antibodies from another source.
• C. Active immunity only protects against bacterial infections, while passive immunity works against both bacteria and viruses.
• D. Passive immunity requires repeated vaccinations, while active immunity is a one-time process.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Active immunity involves the body's own immune response, where the individual's immune system produces antibodies in response to exposure to a pathogen or vaccine. This type of immunity is long-lasting because the immune system 'remembers' the pathogen and can mount a rapid response upon re-exposure. In contrast, passive immunity provides immediate protection through the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from another source, such as through maternal antibodies crossing the placenta or receiving antibodies through an injection. Passive immunity is short-lived because the transferred antibodies eventually degrade and are not produced by the recipient's immune system. Choice A is incorrect because active immunity is generally long-lasting, as it involves the production of antibodies by the individual's immune system. Choice C is incorrect as both active and passive immunity can work against various pathogens, not limited to bacteria or viruses. Choice D is incorrect as passive immunity does not require repeated vaccinations but provides temporary protection through the transfer of antibodies from an external source.

3. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

• A. Cramp
• B. Spasm
• C. Tic
• D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.

4. How many electrons are typically found in each shell of a neutral aluminum atom with 13 electrons in its electron cloud?

• A. 6 in the first shell, 7 in the second shell
• B. 2 in the first shell, 11 in the second shell
• C. 2 in the first shell, 8 in the second shell, 3 in the third shell
• D. 3 in the first shell, 5 in the second shell, 5 in the third shell

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a neutral aluminum atom with 13 electrons, the electron distribution typically follows the electron shell filling order based on the Aufbau principle. The first shell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, the second shell can hold up to 8 electrons, and the third shell can hold up to 8 electrons as well. Therefore, the distribution would be 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 electrons in the second shell, and 3 electrons in the third shell, totaling 13 electrons. Choice A is incorrect as it exceeds the maximum number of electrons the shells can hold. Choice B is incorrect as it does not distribute the electrons correctly among the shells. Choice D is incorrect as it also does not distribute the electrons correctly among the shells.

5. What is the most basic unit of structure in living things?

• A. Cell
• B. Organelle
• C. Oxygen
• D. Pigment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cell is indeed the most basic unit of life, forming the foundation of all living organisms. Cells are the building blocks of all living things, containing organelles that perform specific functions. While oxygen is essential for life, it is not a structural unit. Similarly, pigment is a component found within cells but is not the fundamental unit of structure. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Cell.'

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