Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is the smallest part of an element that can still be recognized as that element?

• A. Electron
• B. Proton
• C. Neutron
• D. Atom

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the chemical properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons that orbit the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus defines the atomic number of the element, and the number of neutrons determines the isotope of the element. While electrons, protons, and neutrons are fundamental particles, an atom as a whole is the smallest part of an element that maintains its unique identity. Electrons are negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus, protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus, and neutrons are neutral particles in the nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: Atom.'

2. Which of the following basic mechanisms of evolution is described as the process where organisms with an advantageous trait survive more often and produce more offspring than organisms without the advantageous trait?

• A. gene flow
• B. genetic drift
• C. mutation
• D. natural selection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Natural selection is the basic mechanism of evolution that explains how organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce in a given environment. This leads to the passing on of these favorable traits to their offspring, causing these traits to become more common in the population over time, resulting in evolutionary change. Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures that support the survival and reproduction of individuals with specific traits. Gene flow refers to the movement of genes between populations, genetic drift is the change in allele frequencies due to random events, and mutation is the source of genetic variation but is not the process by which advantageous traits become more prevalent in a population.

3. Which of the following organs is responsible for churning and mechanically breaking down food?

• A. Small intestine
• B. Large intestine
• C. Stomach
• D. Esophagus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the stomach. The stomach is responsible for churning and mechanically breaking down food. It contains muscles that contract and relax to mix food with digestive juices, breaking it down into smaller particles. This mechanical digestion process helps prepare the food for further digestion and absorption in the small intestine. The small intestine is primarily responsible for the absorption of nutrients, not for mechanical digestion. The large intestine absorbs water and salts, and the esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach, not involved in churning or breaking down food.

4. Which of the following items is NOT a primary function of a healthy immune system?

• A. The immune system helps the body avoid infections.
• B. The immune system detects infections.
• C. The immune system eliminates infections.
• D. The immune system creates infections.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The primary functions of a healthy immune system do not involve creating infections. A healthy immune system helps the body avoid infections by providing defense mechanisms, detects infections by recognizing harmful pathogens, and eliminates infections by attacking and clearing out pathogens. Creating infections goes against the protective role of the immune system and is not a function it performs. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are correct functions of a healthy immune system, while choice D is incorrect.

5. Which of the following molecules is a monosaccharide?

• A. Starch
• B. Glucose
• C. Cellulose
• D. Sucrose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Starch is a polysaccharide, not a monosaccharide, making choice A incorrect. Glucose, choice B, is the correct answer as it is a monosaccharide, the simplest form of sugar. Cellulose, choice C, is a polysaccharide like starch, not a monosaccharide. Sucrose, choice D, is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, not a monosaccharide. Glucose, being a monosaccharide, is a single sugar unit that serves as a primary energy source for living organisms.

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