Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following punctuation marks is used incorrectly in the sentence? "Otto, somewhat abruptly, got up out of his chair, and just like that, headed into the next room."

• A. The comma after "somewhat"
• B. The comma after "Otto"
• C. The semicolon after "that"
• D. The comma after "chair"

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The semicolon after "that" is used incorrectly; a comma should be used instead. Semicolons are typically used to join two independent clauses without a conjunction. In this sentence, the phrase "just like that" is not an independent clause, so a comma is more appropriate for separating it from the rest of the sentence. Choices A, B, and D all use commas correctly within the sentence.

2. Which of the following best explains the meaning of fastidious as it is used in the sentence? "Henry was fastidious about keeping his workspace organized, ensuring that every item was always in its proper place."

• A. fussy
• B. lazy
• C. old-fashioned
• D. hilarious

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, the word 'fastidious' describes someone who pays great attention to detail, is very meticulous, and particular about things being perfect. Henry's behavior of keeping his workspace organized and ensuring everything is in its proper place indicates his meticulous nature. 'Fussy' aligns best with this meaning as it conveys being hard to please and excessively attentive to detail, which accurately describes Henry's behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not capture the essence of being meticulous and attentive to detail, which is the central meaning conveyed by 'fastidious' in this context.

3. 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.

4. What is the function of a colon when used to introduce a list?

• A. A colon joins two related sentences.
• B. A colon sets off direct quotes longer than five words.
• C. A colon introduces a list or explanation after a complete sentence.
• D. A colon separates clauses in a compound sentence.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a colon is used to introduce a list, it is placed after a complete sentence and serves to signal that what follows will be a list or an explanation related to the preceding sentence. Choice A is incorrect because a colon doesn't join two related sentences; it introduces what follows after a complete sentence. Choice B is incorrect as a colon is not used to set off direct quotes longer than five words; quotation marks are used for that purpose. Choice D is incorrect because a colon does not separate clauses in a compound sentence; it is used to introduce a list or explanation after a complete sentence.

5. The plane ride was terrible, and they got home three hours late: _______ they never made it to the wedding.

• A. although
• B. conversely
• C. unless
• D. consequently

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'consequently.' In this sentence, 'consequently' is used to show the result of their late arrival, leading to them missing the wedding. 'Although' (choice A) is incorrect because it suggests a contrast rather than a cause-effect relationship. 'Conversely' (choice B) is also incorrect as it indicates a contrasting idea. 'Unless' (choice C) introduces a condition, which doesn't fit the context of the sentence. Therefore, 'consequently' best connects the delay to missing the wedding.

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