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
The hepatic portal vein is formed by the union of which two veins?
- AHepatic vein and splenic vein
- BInferior vena cava and renal vein
- CSuperior mesenteric vein and splenic vein
- DSuperior mesenteric vein and left renal vein
2.Human anatomyHard
After a fracture of the midshaft of the humerus, a patient cannot extend the wrist and fingers ("wrist drop"). Which nerve is most likely injured?
- AMedian nerve
- BUlnar nerve
- CAxillary nerve
- DRadial nerve
3.Human physiologyMedium
In which form is most carbon dioxide carried in the blood?
- ADissolved as CO₂ gas
- BAs carbonic acid in platelets
- CAs bicarbonate ions in plasma
- DBound to the haem iron
4.Human physiologyHard
In Graves' disease, what thyroid function results are expected and why?
- ALow T4 and high TSH, because antibodies destroy the gland
- BHigh T4 and high TSH, because the anterior pituitary gland is overactive
- CHigh T4 and low TSH, because antibodies stimulate the TSH receptor
- DLow T4 and low TSH, because the hypothalamus fails
5.Biology for nursing entrance examsMedium
A cut in the skin heals as new skin cells fill the wound. Which process produces these cells?
- ABinary fission
- BFertilisation
- CMeiosis
- DMitosis
6.Biology for nursing entrance examsHard
Why can O-negative red blood cells be given to patients of almost any blood type in an emergency?
- AThey carry all of the A, B and RhD antigens
- BThey have no haemoglobin to react with
- CThey carry no A, B or RhD antigens
- DTheir plasma contains anti-A and anti-B antibodies
7.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsMedium
What charge do group 16 elements such as oxygen and sulfur usually have as ions?
- A2+
- B6+
- C2−
- D1−
8.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsHard
Why does a sodium ion (Na⁺) have almost the same mass as a sodium atom?
- AIons and atoms always have exactly the same mass
- BThe only difference is one electron, which has a tiny mass
- CThe ion has one fewer proton, which has a tiny mass
- DThe ion gains a neutron that balances the loss
3Solutions
1.Human anatomy
Answer: C · Superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein
Why this is the answer
The portal vein forms behind the neck of the pancreas from the superior mesenteric and splenic veins. It carries nutrient-rich blood to the liver.
C · Superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein
2.Human anatomy
Answer: D · Radial nerve
Why this is the answer
The radial nerve runs in the radial (spiral) groove of the humeral shaft. It supplies the wrist and finger extensors, so injury causes wrist drop.
3.Human physiology
Answer: C · As bicarbonate ions in plasma
Why this is the answer
About 70% of CO₂ is carried as bicarbonate. Carbonic anhydrase in red cells converts CO₂ and water to carbonic acid, which dissociates into H⁺ and HCO₃⁻.
C · As bicarbonate ions in plasma
4.Human physiology
Answer: C · High T4 and low TSH, because antibodies stimulate the TSH receptor
Why this is the answer
TSH-receptor antibodies stimulate the thyroid independently of TSH. The resulting high T4 and T3 suppress pituitary TSH by negative feedback.
C · High T4 and low TSH, because antibodies stimulate the TSH receptor
5.Biology for nursing entrance exams
Answer: D · Mitosis
Why this is the answer
Growth and repair of body tissues happen by mitosis, which makes genetically identical diploid cells. Meiosis makes gametes only.
6.Biology for nursing entrance exams
Answer: C · They carry no A, B or RhD antigens
Why this is the answer
O-negative red cells lack A, B and RhD antigens, so the recipient's antibodies have nothing to attack. This is why O negative is called the universal red cell donor.
C · They carry no A, B or RhD antigens
7.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams
Answer: C · 2−
Why this is the answer
Group 16 atoms have 6 valence electrons and gain 2 to reach 8, forming ions such as O²⁻ (oxide) and S²⁻ (sulfide).
8.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams
Answer: B · The only difference is one electron, which has a tiny mass
Why this is the answer
Na⁺ forms when a sodium atom loses one electron. An electron's mass is about 1/1836 of a proton's, so the mass barely changes; the nucleus stays the same.
B · The only difference is one electron, which has a tiny mass
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