Gastrointestinal Diseases NCLEX Review Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal Diseases NCLEX Review Questions related questions and content

Which single statement about fat digestion and absorption is correct?

  • A. Absorption of fatty acids in the intestine occurs mainly through FABP and FAT/CD36 transport proteins in the enterocytes of the distal duodenum
  • B. After absorption, medium chain triglycerides (MCT) enter the lymphatic system, whereas long chain triglycerides enter the portal blood system.
  • C. The products of partial digestion of triglycerides (triacylglycerols) can form mixed micelles with pancreatic cholesterol and phospholipids and this increases absorption
  • D. Triglycerides (triacylglycerols) must be emulsified and digested before the fatty acids can be transported
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer D (Triglycerides must be emulsified and digested before fatty acids can be transported):
1. Triglycerides are large molecules that cannot be directly absorbed by the intestinal cells.
2. Emulsification breaks down triglycerides into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for enzyme action.
3. Enzymatic digestion of triglycerides by lipases results in the release of fatty acids and monoglycerides.
4. These breakdown products are then absorbed by enterocytes in the small intestine.

Summary of Why Other Choices are Incorrect:
A: FABP and FAT/CD36 proteins are involved in fatty acid transport, not triglyceride digestion.
B: Both medium and long-chain triglycerides are absorbed into the lymphatic system via chylomicrons.
C: While mixed micelles aid in lipid absorption, they are not essential for the initial digestion of triglycerides.