What is the role of the colon in digestion?
- A. digestion of carbohydrates
- B. absorption of water and electrolytes
- C. production of bile
- D. secretion of enzymes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The colon's main role in digestion is the absorption of water and electrolytes from undigested food, forming feces. This process helps maintain body fluid balance. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Carbohydrates are primarily digested in the small intestine. C) Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, aiding in fat digestion in the small intestine. D) Enzymes are secreted in the stomach and small intestine to aid in digestion, not in the colon.
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Which of the following is not a component of saliva?
- A. Water
- B. Amylase
- C. Mucus
- D. Hydrochloric acid
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hydrochloric acid. Saliva is composed mainly of water, amylase (an enzyme that breaks down starch), and mucus. Hydrochloric acid is not a component of saliva; instead, it is a component of gastric juice produced in the stomach. It plays a role in the digestion of food in the stomach by lowering the pH level. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it does not belong to the components of saliva. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are all components found in saliva.
Which of the following tests is contraindicated for pregnant women?
- A. Barium enema
- B. Barium swallow
- C. Radionuclide imaging
- D. Gallbladder series test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Radionuclide imaging. This test involves exposing the patient to radiation, which can be harmful to the developing fetus. Pregnant women should avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation to prevent potential harm to the baby.
A: Barium enema and B: Barium swallow involve the use of contrast material that is generally considered safe during pregnancy as it does not expose the fetus to radiation.
D: Gallbladder series test, such as ultrasound or MRI, are also safe for pregnant women as they do not involve radiation exposure.
Water transport can occur from the lumen of the intestine to the blood stream, or from the blood stream to the intestinal lumen. Which single statement about this phenomenon, below, is actually correct?
- A. A 'flip-flop' mechanism efficiently transports water directly across the enterocyte membrane
- B. Water flows into the gut from the mucosa, during digestion of starch and protein, in order to reduce luminal osmolality
- C. Water is mostly absorbed by movement between the cells lining the gut (enterocytes) via tight junctions
- D. Dietary intake of water is always greater than water movement in the small intestine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because water is indeed mostly absorbed by movement between the cells lining the gut (enterocytes) via tight junctions. This is known as paracellular transport. Water moves through the spaces between the cells due to osmotic gradients and is then taken up by blood vessels. A: The 'flip-flop' mechanism is not a recognized mechanism for water transport in the intestine. B: Water does not flow into the gut from the mucosa during digestion, rather it moves from the gut lumen into the blood. D: Dietary intake of water can vary and may not always be greater than water movement in the small intestine.
A 22-yr-old female patient with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis is having 15 to 20 stools daily and has excoriated perianal skin. Which patient behavior indicates that teaching regarding maintenance of skin integrity has been effective?
- A. The patient uses incontinence briefs to contain loose stools.
- B. The patient uses witch hazel compresses to soothe irritation.
- C. The patient asks for antidiarrheal medication after each stool.
- D. The patient cleans the perianal area with soap after each stool.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The patient uses witch hazel compresses to soothe irritation. Witch hazel has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. By using witch hazel compresses, the patient is actively taking steps to alleviate discomfort and promote skin healing.
A: The patient using incontinence briefs to contain loose stools does not address the issue of skin integrity maintenance and may lead to prolonged exposure of the skin to stool, exacerbating the problem.
C: Asking for antidiarrheal medication after each stool does not directly address the need for skin integrity maintenance. While it may help reduce stool frequency, it does not specifically target skin healing.
D: Cleaning the perianal area with soap after each stool can be harsh on the already excoriated skin and may further irritate it. Using soap can strip the skin of its natural oils and hinder the healing process.
Saliva decreases gingivitis and caries because it contains immunoglobulin A and
- A. lysozymes.
- B. mucus.
- C. salivary amylase.
- D. water.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: lysozymes. Lysozymes in saliva help to break down bacterial cell walls, reducing the risk of gingivitis and caries. Immunoglobulin A helps to fight off harmful bacteria. Salivary amylase aids in digestion, not in preventing gingivitis or caries. Mucus and water in saliva do not directly contribute to the reduction of gingivitis or caries.