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 circle of Willis at the base of the brain connects which two arterial supplies?
- AJugular and vertebral systems
- BLeft and right external carotid arteries
- CInternal carotid and vertebrobasilar systems
- DExternal carotid and subclavian arterial systems
2.Human anatomyHard
A typical posterolateral disc herniation between L4 and L5 most often compresses which nerve root?
- AS1
- BL5
- CL3
- DL4
3.Human physiologyMedium
What is anatomical dead space?
- AThe space between the two pleural layers
- BAlveoli that have collapsed completely
- CThe volume of the conducting airways where no gas exchange happens
- DThe air that stays in the lungs after full exhalation (residual volume)
4.Human physiologyHard
Why does a person with a high spinal cord injury above T1 risk low blood pressure?
- AThe sympathetic outflow to the vessels and heart is cut off
- BThe vagus nerve is cut, so the heart rate rises
- CRenin release from the kidney stops completely
- DThe phrenic nerve can no longer control the tone of the arteries
5.Biology for nursing entrance examsMedium
How are photosynthesis and aerobic respiration related?
- ABoth take place only in chloroplasts
- BThe products of one are the reactants of the other
- CBoth happen only in animal cells, never in plant cells
- DBoth release oxygen into the air
6.Biology for nursing entrance examsHard
Paper discs with antibiotics X, Y and Z are placed on a plate covered with bacteria. The clear zones around them are 2 mm, 15 mm and 0 mm wide. What is the best conclusion?
- AZ is most effective, because no bacteria grew under the disc
- BAll three are equally effective against these bacteria
- CX is most effective, and the bacteria are resistant to Y
- DY is most effective, and the bacteria are resistant to Z
7.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsMedium
How does an antacid tablet relieve heartburn caused by excess stomach acid?
- AAn acid in it lowers the stomach pH further
- BA weak base in it neutralises some of the acid
- CIt turns the acid into a gas that is absorbed
- DIt coats the stomach and stops all acid production
8.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsHard
How many grams of NaOH (molar mass 40 g/mol) are needed to make 500 mL of a 0.2 M solution?
- A4 g
- B0.1 g
- C40 g
- D8 g
3Solutions
1.Human anatomy
Answer: C · Internal carotid and vertebrobasilar systems
Why this is the answer
The circle of Willis links the internal carotid arteries with the basilar artery (formed by the vertebral arteries), allowing some collateral flow.
C · Internal carotid and vertebrobasilar systems
2.Human anatomy
Answer: B · L5
Why this is the answer
A posterolateral L4–L5 herniation usually catches the traversing L5 root, causing weakness of big toe extension and numbness on the top of the foot.
3.Human physiology
Answer: C · The volume of the conducting airways where no gas exchange happens
Why this is the answer
Anatomical dead space (about 150 ml) is air in the nose, trachea and bronchi. It is moved with every breath but never reaches the alveoli.
C · The volume of the conducting airways where no gas exchange happens
4.Human physiology
Answer: A · The sympathetic outflow to the vessels and heart is cut off
Why this is the answer
Sympathetic outflow leaves the cord at T1–L2. A lesion above it removes vasomotor tone and cardiac sympathetic drive while the vagus still works, causing hypotension and bradycardia (neurogenic shock).
A · The sympathetic outflow to the vessels and heart is cut off
5.Biology for nursing entrance exams
Answer: B · The products of one are the reactants of the other
Why this is the answer
Photosynthesis uses CO₂ and water to make glucose and O₂. Respiration uses glucose and O₂ and releases CO₂ and water. Plants carry out both; animals carry out only respiration.
B · The products of one are the reactants of the other
6.Biology for nursing entrance exams
Answer: D · Y is most effective, and the bacteria are resistant to Z
Why this is the answer
The wider the zone of inhibition, the more effectively the antibiotic stopped growth. Y had the widest zone, and Z had none, which suggests resistance. Such tests guide the choice of antibiotic.
D · Y is most effective, and the bacteria are resistant to Z
7.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams
Answer: B · A weak base in it neutralises some of the acid
Why this is the answer
Antacids contain weak bases such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide or aluminium hydroxide. They neutralise some HCl, raising the stomach pH and easing the burning feeling.
B · A weak base in it neutralises some of the acid
8.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams
Answer: A · 4 g
Why this is the answer
n = 0.2 mol/L × 0.5 L = 0.1 mol; mass = 0.1 × 40 = 4 g. Using 500 instead of 0.5 L gives an answer 1000 times too large.