Which of these is a characteristic of the small intestine?
- A. It has no villi.
- B. It is the site of the majority of digestion.
- C. It is the primary site for absorption of water.
- D. It produces bile.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the small intestine is where the majority of digestion occurs, including the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This is facilitated by enzymes and bile produced by other organs. Villi in the small intestine increase surface area for absorption, making choice A incorrect. Absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine, so choice C is incorrect. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not the small intestine, making choice D incorrect. Thus, the small intestine's role in digestion makes it the correct characteristic.
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Which manifestations may be seen in the patient with cirrhosis related to esophageal varices?
- A. Jaundice, peripheral edema, and ascites from increased intrahepatic pressure and dysfunction
- B. Loss of the small bile ducts and cholestasis and cirrhosis in patients with other autoimmune disorders
- C. Development of collateral channels of circulation in inelastic, fragile esophageal veins as a result of portal hypertension
- D. Scarring and nodular changes in the liver lead to compression of the veins and sinusoids, causing resistance of blood flow through the liver from the portal vein
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Esophageal varices are caused by the development of collateral channels of circulation in the fragile, inelastic esophageal veins due to portal hypertension in cirrhosis.
The most common cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (hematemesis or melena) is:
- A. esophageal varices
- B. gastric carcinoma
- C. peptic ulcer
- D. gastritis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers are a common cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to erosion of the stomach lining. The acidic environment in the stomach can lead to ulcer formation. Esophageal varices are associated with liver cirrhosis, not a common cause of hemorrhage. Gastric carcinoma may cause bleeding but is less common than peptic ulcers. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and can cause bleeding but is not as common as peptic ulcers.
Which enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates in the mouth during the process of digestion?
- A. Amylase
- B. Lipase
- C. Pepsin
- D. Trypsin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Amylase. Amylase is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth during digestion. It is produced in the salivary glands and helps to break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars like maltose. Lipase (B) breaks down fats, pepsin (C) breaks down proteins, and trypsin (D) is an enzyme that also breaks down proteins but is produced in the pancreas, not in the mouth. Amylase is the only enzyme among the choices that specifically targets carbohydrates in the mouth, making it the correct answer.
The finger-like extensions inside the small intestine are called _____ and increase the surface area.
- A. microvilli
- B. villi
- C. lacteals
- D. lumens
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: villi. Villi are finger-like projections inside the small intestine that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. They contain blood vessels and lacteals. Microvilli (A) are tiny projections on the surface of villi that further increase surface area. Lacteals (C) are lymphatic vessels within villi that absorb fats. Lumens (D) refer to the inner space of a tubular structure and are not the finger-like extensions inside the small intestine.
A nurse admits a client to the emergency department who reports nausea and vomiting that worsens when he lies down. Antacids do not help. The provider suspects acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?
- A. Decreased WBC
- B. Increased serum amylase
- C. Decreased serum lipase
- D. Increased serum calcium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased serum amylase. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed and releases enzymes like amylase into the bloodstream. Amylase levels rise significantly in this condition. Elevated serum amylase is a key diagnostic marker for acute pancreatitis.
A: Decreased WBC - This is not a typical finding in acute pancreatitis. Inflammation in the pancreas usually leads to an increased WBC count.
C: Decreased serum lipase - Lipase levels actually increase in acute pancreatitis along with amylase. Both are important diagnostic markers.
D: Increased serum calcium - While hypercalcemia can occur in severe pancreatitis, it is not as specific or sensitive as elevated amylase levels in diagnosing acute pancreatitis.