Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the cilia lining the respiratory tract?

• A. Trapping inhaled dust and debris
• B. Moistening inhaled air
• C. Producing mucus
• D. Propelling mucus upwards towards the throat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moistening inhaled air. The cilia lining the respiratory tract primarily function to trap inhaled dust and debris, produce mucus, and propel the mucus upwards towards the throat for removal. Moistening inhaled air is primarily done by the mucous membranes in the nasal passages, which contain blood vessels that help warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nasal cavity. Therefore, the function of moistening inhaled air is not directly associated with the cilia in the respiratory tract, making it the correct choice in this scenario. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are all functions carried out by the cilia in the respiratory tract.

2. Which term best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures?

• A. Punctuated equilibrium (rapid bursts of evolution)
• B. Gradualism (slow and continuous change)
• C. Founder effect (genetic drift in a small population)
• D. Adaptive radiation (rapid diversification of a species)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Punctuated equilibrium refers to rapid bursts of evolution followed by long periods of stability, rather than gradual change over time in response to environmental pressures. B) Gradualism is the process by which species evolve through slow and continuous changes over time in response to environmental pressures. This gradual change can lead to the development of new traits and adaptations. C) Founder effect is a type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation compared to the original population. It does not specifically describe the gradual change in a species over time. D) Adaptive radiation is the rapid diversification of a species into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, but it does not specifically refer to the gradual change in response to environmental pressures. Therefore, the term that best describes the gradual change in a species over time in response to environmental pressures is 'Gradualism.'

3. What phenomenon occurs when two identical waves are perfectly aligned and reinforce each other?

• A. Refraction
• B. Reflection
• C. Diffraction
• D. Constructive interference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Constructive interference occurs when two identical waves are perfectly aligned and reinforce each other. This results in an increase in the overall amplitude of the wave. Refraction refers to the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another, reflection is the bouncing back of waves when they encounter a boundary, and diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and openings. In this scenario, the waves are not changing direction or bending but rather combining to produce a wave with a larger amplitude, which is characteristic of constructive interference.

4. Where does sperm maturation take place in the male reproductive system?

• A. Seminal vesicles
• B. Prostate gland
• C. Epididymis
• D. Vas Deferens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sperm maturation occurs in the epididymis, a coiled tube located on the back of each testicle. In the epididymis, sperm gain motility and the ability to fertilize an egg. It serves as a storage site for mature sperm until ejaculation. The seminal vesicles and the prostate gland contribute fluids to semen, enhancing sperm viability and motility. The vas deferens is responsible for transporting mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation, but it is not where sperm maturation takes place. Therefore, the correct answer is the epididymis.

5. What correction should the student make to the hypothesis: Lengthening the string of the pendulum increases the time it takes the ball to make one complete period?

• A. Turn it into an 'if-then' statement.
• B. Change 'will increase' to 'increases.'
• C. Switch the order of the sentence so that the phrase about the period comes first.
• D. No corrections are needed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A hypothesis should be structured as an 'if-then' statement for clarity. This format helps to clearly establish the relationship between the variables and the expected outcome. In this case, the student should frame the hypothesis in a way that if a specific action is taken (lengthening the string), then a specific outcome is expected (increasing the time it takes for the ball to make one complete period). 'If-then' statements are fundamental in hypothesis construction as they clearly define the cause and effect relationship being tested. Choice B is incorrect because changing 'will increase' to 'increases' does not address the structural issue of the hypothesis. Choice C is incorrect as switching the order of the sentence does not fundamentally alter the clarity of the hypothesis. Choice D is incorrect as the hypothesis structure can be improved for better understanding and testing, making correction necessary.

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