WELCOME TO THIS GREAT EDUCATIONAL BLOG

Welcome to my Pre-Nursing Exam Prep blog. I hope it will help you prepare very well for the Pre-NLN entrance exam, popularly known as the PAX exam. This is one of the entrance exams required by some schools for those who want to pursue careers in the nursing field in the USA. I will attempt to break down the review materials into manageable parts so that you can systematically and efficiently prepare for the test with less stress. I will guide you to prepare for the entire content of the test. Hopefully, you will be able to pass after going through these series.


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A 12-DAY APPROACH TO ACE THE EXAM

SCIENCE REVIEWThe topics that are generally covered in the test have been grouped into twelve instructional modules below. You will be tested only on the basic concepts of physics, chemistry and biology. Click on science topics and select any of the topics listed in the module to review.

Lesson 1:

Basic structure of atom

Types of tissues

Lesson 2:

Movement of substances across the cell membrane

Acids and bases, pH scale

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids

Lesson 3:

Basic structure of the eye

Basic structure of the ear

Nervous system

Lesson 4:

Circulatory system

Introduction to mechanics (motion/forces)

Electrical circuits

Lesson 5:

Balancing chemical equations and writing formulas

Essentials of photosynthesis and respiration

Classifying organic compounds

Magnetism

Electromagnetism

Lesson 6:

Interpretation of graphs and pictograms

Analyzing and making conclusions from experiments

Data analysis

Lesson 7:

Endocrine system

Digestive system

Genitourinary system

Lesson 8:

Reproduction in mammals

Basic parts of a flower

Reproduction in plants (the process of pollination

Genetics

Lesson 9:

Modes of heat transfer

Calculating heat energies and phase diagrams

Temperature conversions (Kelvin, Celsius, Fahrenheit)

Lesson 10:

Gas laws (Boyle, Charles, Gay-Lussac)

Types of energy (Potential, kinetic, etc…..)

Chemical bonds, equilibrium and equilibrium constants

Mixtures, types of solutions, solubility

Lesson 11:

Concepts of the food pyramid, food web and food chain

Light (diffraction, refraction, reflection, dispersion)

Basic concepts on waves

Sound waves

Catalyst and enzymes

Lesson 12:

Symbiosis

Ecology

The Electroscope

Radioactivity and half-life Tropism

Tropism

Saturday, March 18, 2023

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS ON THE TEETH

 1. Which of the following is the hardest substance in the human body?


 A) Enamel          
 B) Dentin 
C) Pulp 
D) Cementum

Answer: A) Enamel

Rationale: Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, and it is the hardest substance in the human body. It protects the tooth from wear and tear caused by chewing and other activities. Dentin is the layer under the enamel and is less hard than enamel but still quite durable. Pulp is the soft tissue located in the center of the tooth, while cementum is the layer of connective tissue that covers the root of the tooth.

2. What is the function of the periodontal ligament? 
A) It provides shock absorption during chewing 
B) It nourishes the tooth and keeps it healthy 
C) It anchors the tooth to the jawbone 
D) It protects the tooth from wear and tear

Answer: A) It provides shock absorption during chewing

Rationale: The periodontal ligament is the tissue that attaches the cementum to the bone that surrounds the tooth. It provides shock absorption during chewing and helps to keep the tooth stable. It does not nourish the tooth or protect it from wear and tear, and while it does anchor the tooth to the jawbone, this is not its primary function.

3. Which type of tooth is responsible for cutting and tearing food? 
A) Incisors
B) Canines 
C) Premolars 
D) Molars

Answer: A) Incisors

4. Which type of tooth is responsible for grinding and crushing food? 
A) Incisors 
B) Canines 
C) Premolars 
D) Molars

Answer: D) Molars

5. Which layer of the tooth contains nerves and blood vessels? 
A) Enamel 
B) Dentin 
C) Pulp 
D) Cementum

Answer: C) Pulp

6. What is the term for the hard deposit that forms on teeth due to a buildup of bacteria? 
A) Plaque 
B) Tartar 
C) Decay 
D) Cavity

Answer: B) TartarWhat is the term for a tooth that has not emerged from the gumline? A) Impacted B) Decayed C) Infected D) Abscessed

Answer: A) Impacted

7. What is the term for the loss of tooth structure due to acid produced by bacteria? 
A) Plaque 
B) Tartar 
C) Decay 
D) Cavity

Answer: C) Decay

8. Which type of tooth is often referred to as the "eye tooth"? 
A) Incisor 
B) Canine
C) Premolar 
D) Molar

Answer: B) Canine

9. What is the term for the surgical removal of a tooth? 
A) Extraction
 B) Filling 
 C) Root canal
 D) Crown

Answer: A) Extraction

10. What is the term for a dental restoration that covers the entire surface of a tooth? 
A) Filling 
B) Crown 
C) Bridge 
D) Implant

Answer: B) Crown

11. What is the term for a tooth that is not properly aligned with the other teeth? 
A) Impacted 
B) Decayed
C) Malocclusion 
D) Abscessed

Answer: C) Malocclusion

THE ANATOMY OF THE TEETH

 Teeth are a crucial component of the human body's digestive system. They are responsible for mechanically breaking down food into smaller pieces, which aids in the digestion process. Teeth are composed of multiple layers of specialized tissues that work together to support the tooth's function.

A normal adult mouth has 32 teeth, which have erupted by about age 13, except the wisdom teeth.

 Incisors (8 total): The middlemost four teeth on the upper and lower jaws.
• Canines (4 total): The pointed teeth just outside the incisors.
• Premolars (8 total): Teeth between the canines and molars.
• Molars (8 total): Flat teeth in the rear of the mouth, best at grinding food.
 Wisdom teeth or third molars (4 total): These teeth erupt at around age 18, but are often surgically removed to prevent displacement of other teeth.

The anatomy of the tooth can be divided into two parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, while the root is the portion of the tooth that is embedded in the jawbone.

Here are the different layers of the tooth and their functions:

  1. Enamel - This is the hard, outermost layer of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the body and protects the tooth from wear and tear.

  2. Dentin - This is the layer under the enamel that makes up most of the tooth's structure. It is less hard than enamel but still quite durable. Dentin is responsible for giving teeth their color.

  3. Pulp - This is the soft tissue located in the center of the tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that nourish the tooth and keep it healthy.

  4. Cementum - This is the layer of connective tissue that covers the root of the tooth. It anchors the tooth to the jawbone and helps to hold it in place.

  5. Periodontal Ligament - This is the tissue that attaches the cementum to the bone that surrounds the tooth. It provides shock absorption during chewing and helps to keep the tooth stable.


Overall, the different layers of the tooth work together to support the tooth's function in the digestive process. Proper dental hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help to keep these layers healthy and prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Saturday, February 11, 2023

MCQ ON THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

 Here are some practice questions that could help you prepare for the PRE-NLN exam on the topic of the male reproductive system:

  1. What is the main function of the testes in the male reproductive system? A. To store and transport sperm B. To produce sperm and testosterone C. To regulate the body's temperature D. To produce fluid for semen

  2. What is the main function of the epididymis in the male reproductive system? A. To produce sperm and testosterone B. To store and transport sperm C. To regulate the body's temperature D. To produce fluid for semen

  3. What is the role of the vas deferens in the male reproductive system? A. To produce sperm and testosterone B. To store and transport sperm C. To release semen during ejaculation D. To produce fluid for semen

  4. What is the function of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system? A. To regulate the body's temperature B. To produce fluid for semen C. To store and transport sperm D. To produce sperm and testosterone

  5. What is the role of the seminal vesicles in the male reproductive system? A. To produce fluid for semen B. To regulate the body's temperature C. To store and transport sperm D. To produce sperm and testosterone

Answers:

  1. B. To produce sperm and testosterone
  2. B. To store and transport sperm
  3. C. To release semen during ejaculation
  4. B. To produce fluid for semen
  5. A. To produce fluid for semen

I hope these questions will help you better understand the male reproductive system and prepare you for the PRE-NLN exam.

ANATOMY OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

 The male reproductive system is a complex system of organs and tissues that are responsible for the production, maturation, and transportation of sperm, as well as the release of male hormones. It is made up of several key components, including the testes, the epididymis, the vas deferens, the prostate gland, and the seminal vesicles.

The testes are the primary organ of the male reproductive system and are located in a sac of skin called the scrotum. The testes are responsible for producing sperm, which are the male reproductive cells, as well as the hormone testosterone, which is essential for sperm production and overall male reproductive health. The testes also play a role in regulating the body's temperature, as they need to be kept slightly cooler than the rest of the body in order to produce sperm effectively.

The epididymis is a coiled tube that is located on top of each testicle and is responsible for storing and transporting sperm from the testes to the vas deferens. The vas deferens is a long, muscular tube that connects the epididymis to the urethra, which carries sperm out of the body during ejaculation.

The prostate gland is a gland located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. It produces a fluid that helps to nourish and protect sperm, and is an important component of semen, the fluid that is released during ejaculation. The seminal vesicles, which are located next to the prostate gland, also produce a fluid that is added to semen to provide additional nutrients and support for sperm.

In addition to these key components, the male reproductive system also includes the penis, which is the external organ used for sexual intercourse and the release of semen, and the accessory glands, which produce a variety of fluids that contribute to semen.

The male reproductive system is essential for sexual function and fertility, and any issues or abnormalities in any of its components can impact a man's ability to conceive a child. Some common issues that can impact the male reproductive system include infertility, sexual dysfunctions, sexually transmitted infections, and conditions such as testicular cancer and prostate cancer.

In conclusion, the male reproductive system is a complex and crucial system of organs and tissues that are responsible for producing and transporting sperm, as well as regulating hormones and supporting overall reproductive health. Understanding the components and functions of the male reproductive system is important for maintaining reproductive health and addressing any issues that may arise.

Monday, January 16, 2023

AMINO ACIDS - ESSENTIAL AND NON-ESSENTIAL

Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins. The amino acids are classified into essential and non-essential amino acids. The essential amino acids have to be provide through the food we eat. They cannot be produced in the body. The non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body.

The nine essential amino acids are:
  • Histidine: Histidine helps make a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called histamine. Histamine plays an important role in your body’s immune function, digestion, sleep and sexual function.
  • Isoleucine: Isoleucine is involved with your body’s muscle metabolism and immune function. It also helps your body make hemoglobin and regulate energy.
  • Leucine: Leucine helps your body make protein and growth hormones. It also helps grow and repair muscle tissue, heal wounds and regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Lysine: Lysine is involved in the production of hormones and energy. It’s also important for calcium and immune function.
  • Methionine: Methionine helps with your body’s tissue growth, metabolism and detoxification. Methionine also helps with the absorption of essential minerals, including zinc and selenium.
  • Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is needed for the production of your brain’s chemical messengers, including dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. It’s also important for the production of other amino acids.
  • Threonine: Threonine plays an important role in collagen and elastin. These proteins provide structure to your skin and connective tissue. They also help with forming blood clots, which help prevent bleeding. Threonine plays an important role in fat metabolism and your immune function, too.
  • Tryptophan: Tryptophan helps maintain your body’s correct nitrogen balance. It also helps make a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called serotonin. Serotonin regulates your mood, appetite and sleep.
  • Valine: Valine is involved in muscle growth, tissue regeneration and making energy.
Your body produces the rest of the 11 amino acids you need. These are called nonessential amino acids
The nonessential amino acids are alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine.

CHEMISTRY OF THE CELL

There are three classes of food substances in the cell. These are: carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Carbohydates are the substances that provide the body with energy. They can be classified into: Simple and Complex sugars. The simple sugars consists of Monosaccharides and disaccharides. The complex sugars are the polysaccharides. 
Mono - means one, so monosaccharide means it consists of one sugar molecule. Di - means two, so the disaccharide consists of two sugar molecules. Poly -  means many, so polysaccharides consists of more than two sugar molecules. 
Examples of monosaccharides are glucose, fructose, galactose, and ribose sugars.
Examples of disaccharides are: maltose, lactose, and maltose.
Maltose is made up of two molecules of glucoseMaltose = glucose + glucose
Lactose is made up of glucose and galactose. Lactose = glucose + galactose. 
Sucrose is made up of glucose and fructose. Sucrose = glucose + fructose. 

  • Galactose is found in dairy products, avocados, sugar beets, other gums and mucilages.
  • Foods high in Maltose: wheat, cornmeal, barley, fruits such as peaches and pear
  • Lactose is found mainly in milk and dairy products such as cow's milk, goat's milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream.
  • Sucrose is found in fruits and vegetables, and is purified from sugar cane and sugar beets. The sucrose in your sugar bowl is the same sucrose found naturally in sugar cane, sugar beets, apples, oranges, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables.
  • Sometimes called “fruit sugar,” fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found primarily in fruits (such as apples, dates, figs, pears and prunes), but also in vegetables (such as artichokes, asparagus, mushrooms, onions and red peppers), honey, sugar beets and sugar cane.
  • Foods naturally high in pure glucose include honey, agave, molasses, dried fruit, fruits, fruit juices, and sweet corn.
LIPIDS
These are the fats and oils. Fats are solids at room temperature whereas oils are liquids at room temperature. A lipid is made up of fatty acids and glycerol. These are organic compounds. Lipids are sources of energy, insulation, and protection since they can act as cushions for organs.

PROTEINS
Protein is are made up of the building blocks called amino-acids. Amino acids have a central carbon that has amino and carboxylic groups attached to it. Your body needs 20 different amino acids to function correctly. Nine of these amino acids are called essential amino acids. Essential amino acids must be consumed through the food you eat. Essential amino acids can be found in a variety of foods, including beef, eggs and dairy. The other amino acids are called non-essential amino acids. They can be produced by the body.