Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following punctuation marks correctly completes the sentence below? "She bought several items for the trip____ a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight."

• A. ;
• B. :
• C. ,
• D. .

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct punctuation mark to use in this sentence is the colon (:) because it is used to introduce a list. In this case, the list of items she bought for the trip includes a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight. A semicolon (;) is not appropriate here because it is typically used to connect independent clauses. A comma (,) is not suitable as it would create a comma splice error. A period (.) is incorrect as it signifies the end of a sentence, which is not the intended purpose in this context.

2. Which of the following examples is a simple sentence?

• A. The man who wore a checked tie.
• B. The man with the checked tie.
• C. The man in the blue pin-striped suit and checked tie looked somewhat out of place at the party.
• D. The man in the blue pin-striped suit looked out of place because of his checked tie.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is sentence C because it is a simple sentence containing only one independent clause. It expresses a complete thought with a subject 'The man in the blue pin-striped suit and checked tie' and a predicate 'looked somewhat out of place at the party.' Choices A, B, and D are not simple sentences. Choice A is a dependent clause as it does not express a complete thought on its own. Choice B is a prepositional phrase and does not form a complete sentence. Choice D is a complex sentence with a dependent clause ('because of his checked tie') along with the independent clause.

3. The mechanic used a computer to perform the diagnostic tests. Which of the following sentences most clearly and concisely conveys the same meaning?

• A. While performing diagnostic tests on the car, the mechanic used a computer.
• B. Although the mechanic used a computer, he performed diagnostic tests on the car.
• C. Because he used a computer, the mechanic performed diagnostic tests on the car.
• D. The mechanic used a computer to perform diagnostic tests on the car.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D correctly conveys that the mechanic used a computer to perform diagnostic tests on the car. It is concise and clear, effectively communicating the main point without unnecessary details. Choices A, B, and C include unnecessary repetition or do not convey the information as clearly as choice D. For instance, choice A adds unnecessary repetition by mentioning 'performing diagnostic tests' twice, while choices B and C introduce additional clauses that make the sentence less concise and direct.

4. She is a gifted pianist, although she's struggling with the piece for her upcoming concert.

• A. Inappropriate transition word choice
• B. Poor diction
• C. Tense disagreement
• D. Incomplete sentence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because there is a tense disagreement in the sentence. The use of 'was' (past tense) and 'she's' (contraction of 'she is' present tense) creates an inconsistency in the verb tense. The sentence should maintain consistency either in past tense ('She was a gifted pianist, although she struggled with the piece for her upcoming concert') or present tense ('She is a gifted pianist, although she's struggling with the piece for her upcoming concert'). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as the issue in the sentence is related to verb tense disagreement, not transition words, diction, or sentence completeness.

5. Which sentence correctly uses the colon?

• A. She had one wish: to visit Paris.
• B. She had: one wish to visit Paris.
• C. She had one: wish to visit Paris.
• D. She had one wish: visit Paris.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "She had one wish: to visit Paris." A colon is used after a complete sentence to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation. In choice A, the colon is appropriately used after the complete sentence 'She had one wish' to introduce the explanation 'to visit Paris.' Choices B, C, and D incorrectly place the colon in positions that do not follow a complete sentence or do not properly introduce an explanation, making them grammatically incorrect.

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