1Formulas and methods
Biology for nursing entrance exams
Method
- Name the topic of the question: cell parts, transport, division, DNA and protein synthesis, inheritance, biomolecules, microorganisms or experimental design.
- Recall the key rule: A–T and G–C, diffusion from high to low, water moves towards more solute, mitosis keeps and meiosis halves the chromosome number.
- For crosses, write the parents’ genotypes, list the gametes and fill a Punnett square before counting.
- For experiments, label the independent, dependent and controlled variables, and ask whether the evidence supports or only suggests the conclusion.
- Check each option against the question asked, not just whether it is a true statement.
Chemistry for nursing entrance exams
Method
- Identify what is given and asked: particles, a formula, a state change, a concentration, a pH or a mass.
- Use the periodic table: the atomic number gives protons, the group gives valence electrons and the usual ion charge.
- Balance equations with coefficients only, element by element, oxygen and hydrogen last.
- For amounts, go mass → moles → mole ratio → moles → mass, and for solutions use M = mol/L and C₁V₁ = C₂V₂.
- Remember that pH is logarithmic: one unit is a factor of 10.
2Practice problems
1.Human anatomyMedium
Where does the spinal cord normally end in an adult?
- AAt about the level of T10
- BAt the coccyx
- CAt the level of the sacrum
- DAt about the level of vertebrae L1–L2
2.Human anatomyHard
In which part of the small intestine are vitamin B12 and bile salts mainly absorbed?
- AJejunum
- BDuodenum
- CCaecum
- DTerminal ileum
3.Human physiologyMedium
Which is a classic example of positive feedback in the body?
- AInsulin release after a meal
- BOxytocin release during labour
- CSweating when body temperature rises
- DADH release when plasma osmolality rises
4.Human physiologyHard
A patient has taken high-dose prednisolone for a year. What is the state of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis?
- AACTH is high and the adrenal cortex is enlarged
- BThe adrenal medulla has stopped making adrenaline and noradrenaline
- CACTH is suppressed and the adrenal cortex has atrophied
- DACTH is normal and cortisol production is increased
5.Biology for nursing entrance examsMedium
Which DNA bases are purines?
- AAdenine and guanine
- BCytosine and guanine
- CCytosine and thymine
- DAdenine and thymine
6.Biology for nursing entrance examsHard
A plant that is AaBb is crossed with an AaBB plant. A and B are dominant, and the genes assort independently. What fraction of the offspring show both dominant traits?
- A1/4
- B3/4
- C1/2
- D9/16
7.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsMedium
What are the products of the complete combustion of a hydrocarbon such as methane?
- ACarbon and hydrogen gas
- BCarbon monoxide and hydrogen
- COxygen and water
- DCarbon dioxide and water
8.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsHard
Which statement about a catalyst in a reversible reaction is correct?
- AIt is used up as the reaction proceeds
- BIt only speeds up the forward reaction and stops the reverse reaction
- CIt speeds up both directions equally
- DIt increases the amount of product at equilibrium
3Solutions
1.Human anatomy
Answer: D · At about the level of vertebrae L1–L2
Why this is the answer
In adults the cord ends at the conus medullaris near L1–L2. Below that lies the cauda equina, which is why lumbar punctures are done at L3–L4 or L4–L5.
D · At about the level of vertebrae L1–L2
2.Human anatomy
Answer: D · Terminal ileum
Why this is the answer
The terminal ileum absorbs vitamin B12 (bound to intrinsic factor) and reabsorbs bile salts. The duodenum mainly absorbs iron.
3.Human physiology
Answer: B · Oxytocin release during labour
Why this is the answer
Stretch of the cervix releases oxytocin, which strengthens contractions and causes more stretch. The loop ends with delivery. The other examples are negative feedback.
B · Oxytocin release during labour
4.Human physiology
Answer: C · ACTH is suppressed and the adrenal cortex has atrophied
Why this is the answer
Exogenous glucocorticoid suppresses CRH and ACTH, so the adrenal cortex atrophies. Stopping the drug suddenly can cause an adrenal crisis, so it is tapered.
C · ACTH is suppressed and the adrenal cortex has atrophied
5.Biology for nursing entrance exams
Answer: A · Adenine and guanine
Why this is the answer
Adenine and guanine are purines, with a double-ring structure. Cytosine, thymine and uracil are pyrimidines, with one ring. Each base pair has one purine and one pyrimidine, which keeps the helix the same width.
6.Biology for nursing entrance exams
Answer: B · 3/4
Why this is the answer
Bb × BB gives all offspring with at least one B, so 1 for trait B. Aa × Aa gives 3/4 with at least one A. 3/4 × 1 = 3/4 show both dominant traits.
7.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams
Answer: D · Carbon dioxide and water
Why this is the answer
CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O. With too little oxygen, incomplete combustion also forms carbon monoxide and soot.
D · Carbon dioxide and water
8.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams
Answer: C · It speeds up both directions equally
Why this is the answer
A catalyst does not change where the equilibrium lies; it only lets both reactions reach it sooner and is not consumed.
C · It speeds up both directions equally
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