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
Which superficial vein in the front of the elbow is most often used for venepuncture?
- AMedian cubital vein
- BAxillary vein
- CBrachial vein
- DGreat saphenous vein
2.Human anatomyHard
Why is the proximal pole of the scaphoid at risk of avascular necrosis after a waist fracture?
- AIts only artery runs through the lunate
- BIt has no blood supply at all
- CIt is drained by a single vein that clots easily
- DIts blood supply enters mainly from the distal end
3.Human physiologyMedium
How does glucagon raise blood glucose?
- AIt stimulates glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver
- BIt blocks insulin receptors on fat cells
- CIt slows glucose absorption from the gut
- DIt stimulates glucose uptake by muscle
4.Human physiologyHard
Which change shifts the oxygen–haemoglobin dissociation curve to the right?
- ALower 2,3-BPG
- BHigher temperature
- CLower CO₂
- DHigher pH
5.Biology for nursing entrance examsMedium
What is the difference between an antiseptic and a disinfectant?
- AAntiseptics are used on objects and floors; disinfectants are used on skin
- BAntiseptics are used on living tissue; disinfectants are used on objects
- CAntiseptics kill all spores; disinfectants kill none
- DAntiseptics are antibiotics; disinfectants are vaccines
6.Biology for nursing entrance examsHard
Volunteers drink 0, 100 or 200 mg of caffeine, and their heart rate is measured after 30 minutes. What is the dependent variable?
- AThe dose of caffeine
- BThe volunteers themselves
- CThe heart rate after 30 minutes
- DThe 30-minute waiting time
7.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsMedium
An atom of chlorine-37 has 17 protons. How many neutrons does it have?
- A54
- B17
- C37
- D20
8.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsHard
Magnesium burns as 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO. What mass of MgO (40 g/mol) forms from 48 g of Mg (24 g/mol)?
- A160 g
- B48 g
- C40 g
- D80 g
3Solutions
1.Human anatomy
Answer: A · Median cubital vein
Why this is the answer
The median cubital vein crosses the cubital fossa between the cephalic and basilic veins. It is superficial, large and fairly fixed, so it is easy to puncture.
2.Human anatomy
Answer: D · Its blood supply enters mainly from the distal end
Why this is the answer
Branches of the radial artery enter the scaphoid mainly distally and flow backwards. A fracture through the waist can cut off the proximal pole, causing avascular necrosis.
D · Its blood supply enters mainly from the distal end
3.Human physiology
Answer: A · It stimulates glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver
Why this is the answer
Glucagon from alpha cells acts on the liver to break down glycogen and make new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.
A · It stimulates glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver
4.Human physiology
Answer: B · Higher temperature
Why this is the answer
Higher temperature, CO₂, H⁺ (lower pH) and 2,3-BPG lower haemoglobin's affinity and shift the curve right, releasing more oxygen to active tissues.
5.Biology for nursing entrance exams
Answer: B · Antiseptics are used on living tissue; disinfectants are used on objects
Why this is the answer
Antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine, are gentle enough for skin and mucous membranes. Disinfectants, such as bleach, are too harsh for tissue and are used on surfaces and equipment.
B · Antiseptics are used on living tissue; disinfectants are used on objects
6.Biology for nursing entrance exams
Answer: C · The heart rate after 30 minutes
Why this is the answer
The caffeine dose is changed (independent variable); the heart rate is measured (dependent variable); the waiting time is kept constant (controlled).
C · The heart rate after 30 minutes
7.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams
Answer: D · 20
Why this is the answer
The mass number 37 counts protons plus neutrons, so neutrons = 37 − 17 = 20.
8.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams
Answer: D · 80 g
Why this is the answer
48 ÷ 24 = 2 mol Mg, and the ratio Mg : MgO is 2 : 2, so 2 mol MgO form. 2 × 40 = 80 g. The extra 32 g is oxygen from the air.
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