Nursing Elites

1. Which type of cells make up the myelin sheaths?

• A. Glial cells.
• B. Dendrites.
• C. Melanocytes.
• D. Squamous cells.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Glial cells. Glial cells are responsible for producing the myelin sheaths that surround and insulate nerve cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system are types of glial cells that form the myelin sheaths. Choice B, dendrites, are not involved in forming myelin sheaths; they are extensions of neurons that receive signals. Choice C, melanocytes, are cells responsible for producing melanin, not myelin. Choice D, squamous cells, are flat epithelial cells found in various tissues but are not involved in myelin sheath formation.

2. Which process is characterized by nuclear fission?

• A. A heavy nucleus capturing a neutron and releasing energy
• B. The fusion of two nuclei to form a heavier element
• C. A lighter element emitting an alpha particle through radioactive decay
• D. An electron being absorbed by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nuclear fission is the process where a heavy nucleus, like uranium-235, captures a neutron, leading to its division into two lighter nuclei. This process releases a substantial amount of energy in the form of heat and gamma rays. It is utilized in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs due to its capacity to produce significant energy. Choices B, C, and D describe different nuclear processes: fusion of two nuclei to form a heavier element, emission of alpha particles from a lighter element through radioactive decay, and absorption of an electron by the nucleus with the release of a gamma ray, respectively. These processes are distinct from nuclear fission and do not involve the splitting of heavy nuclei into lighter ones.

3. Which of these pairs represents an example of convergent evolution?

• A. Humans and chimpanzees
• B. Bats and birds
• C. Dolphins and sharks
• D. Snakes and earthworms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Convergent evolution refers to the process by which different species independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to similar environmental pressures. In the case of bats and birds, both have evolved wings for flight despite not sharing a recent common ancestor with wings. Bats are mammals, while birds are avians, yet they both have wings adapted for flight, which is a classic example of convergent evolution. A) Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor and have not independently evolved similar traits. C) Dolphins and sharks are not closely related, and their similarities are due to adaptations to their aquatic environment rather than convergent evolution. D) Snakes and earthworms belong to different classes (reptiles and annelids, respectively) and do not share recent common ancestors, making their similarities not a result of convergent evolution.

4. Which muscle type is characterized by a combination of voluntary and involuntary control, is striated, and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the circulatory system?

• A. Skeletal muscle
• B. Smooth muscle
• C. Cardiac muscle
• D. Connective tissue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is characterized by a combination of voluntary and involuntary control, is striated, and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the circulatory system. Skeletal muscle is primarily under voluntary control, smooth muscle is primarily under involuntary control, and connective tissue is not a muscle type, but rather provides support and structure to the body.

5. A scientist wants to measure how far a person can run in 30 minutes. Which of the following units should be used to record this measurement as a small number?

• A. Gigameters
• B. Kilometers
• C. Megameters
• D. Terameters

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Kilometers are commonly used for shorter distances and would provide a small and practical number to measure distance in this context. Gigameters, Megameters, and Terameters are much larger units of measurement and would result in very large numbers, making them impractical for measuring the distance a person can run in 30 minutes. Therefore, the correct choice is Kilometers as it is a suitable unit for measuring such distances within a reasonable range.

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