Q&A | Portage Learning
Here are 100 original NCLEX-style practice questions for BIOD 101 Module 1 | Essential
Biology I. They cover scientific reasoning, chemistry of life, macromolecules, cell
structure, membrane transport, metabolism, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell
division, DNA/protein synthesis, genetics, and evolution with clinical applications.
Question 1:
A nurse reads a study examining whether a new dressing changes wound healing time.
Which variable is the independent variable?
A. Wound healing time
B. Type of dressing used
C. Client’s age
D. Infection rate
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
The independent variable is the factor manipulated by the researcher. The type of
dressing is manipulated, while healing time is the dependent variable.
Question 2:
A research study includes a group that receives no treatment to compare outcomes.
What is this group called?
A. Experimental group
B. Control group
C. Placebo group
D. Random group
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
A control group does not receive the experimental treatment and serves as a baseline
for comparison.
Question 3:
A nurse states, “If hand hygiene is performed, then infection rates will decrease.” What is
this statement?
,A. Theory
B. Law
C. Hypothesis
D. Conclusion
Correct answer: C
Rationale:
A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables.
Question 4:
A client’s blood glucose rises after a meal, and insulin is released to lower it. Which
feedback mechanism is this?
A. Positive feedback
B. Negative feedback
C. Feedforward control
D. Neutral feedback
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
Negative feedback reverses a change to restore homeostasis. Insulin lowers elevated
blood glucose.
Question 5:
During childbirth, uterine contractions intensify until delivery. Which feedback
mechanism is this?
A. Negative feedback
B. Positive feedback
C. Homeostatic imbalance
D. Neutral feedback
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
Positive feedback amplifies a change until a specific endpoint is reached, such as
delivery.
Question 6:
Which subatomic particle determines an element’s atomic number?
,A. Neutron
B. Electron
C. Proton
D. Nucleus
Correct answer: C
Rationale:
The atomic number equals the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus.
Question 7:
A client is prescribed a potassium supplement. Potassium ions carry a positive charge.
What type of particle is this?
A. Anion
B. Cation
C. Isotope
D. Neutron
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
A cation is a positively charged ion. Potassium (K⁺) is a cation.
Question 8:
Which type of bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?
A. Ionic bond
B. Covalent bond
C. Hydrogen bond
D. Peptide bond
Correct answer: B
Rationale:
Covalent bonds form when atoms share electron pairs, creating stable molecules such
as water.
Question 9:
Which weak bond helps hold water molecules together and stabilizes DNA structure?
A. Ionic bond
B. Covalent bond
, C. Hydrogen bond
D. Metallic bond
Correct answer: C
Rationale:
Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between slightly positive hydrogen and slightly
negative atoms.
Question 10:
A client’s gastric fluid has a pH of 2. How should the nurse describe this fluid?
A. Neutral
B. Basic
C. Acidic
D. Alkaline
Correct answer: C
Rationale:
A pH below 7 is acidic. Gastric fluid is strongly acidic due to hydrochloric acid.
Question 11:
Which substance helps resist large changes in pH by accepting or donating hydrogen
ions?
A. Buffer
B. Enzyme
C. Lipid
D. Carbohydrate
Correct answer: A
Rationale:
Buffers stabilize pH by neutralizing added acids or bases.
Question 12:
Why does water help regulate body temperature?
A. It has low heat capacity.
B. It has high specific heat.
C. It is nonpolar.
D. It cannot form hydrogen bonds.