A nurse is assessing a client who is 3 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and notes the absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and the client passing no flatus. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paralytic ileus. After abdominal surgery, the bowel can temporarily stop functioning due to anesthesia, handling of the intestines, or inflammation. This leads to absent bowel sounds, distention, and no flatus passage. Ulcerative colitis (A) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, not related to postoperative findings. Cholecystitis (B) is inflammation of the gallbladder, typically presenting with right upper quadrant pain. Wound dehiscence (D) is the separation of surgical incision edges, not related to bowel function.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: segmental contractions. Segmental contractions mix material in the small intestine by contracting and relaxing specific segments of the intestine to mix and move the contents. This process helps with digestion and nutrient absorption. A: Peristalsis refers to the wave-like muscle contractions that propel food through the digestive system, not mixing. B: Deglutition is the process of swallowing food, not mixing it in the small intestine. C: Mass movements are large contractions that move material through the large intestine, not the small intestine where mixing occurs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: pancreas. The pancreas is considered retroperitoneal because it lies behind the peritoneum, specifically in front of the vertebral column. This positioning makes it retroperitoneal, unlike the stomach, jejunum, and spleen, which are intraperitoneal organs located within the peritoneal cavity. The retroperitoneal location of the pancreas helps protect it and provides structural support. It also allows for easier access during surgical procedures, as it is not surrounded by peritoneum on all sides like intraperitoneal organs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: 1. The oropharynx and laryngopharynx are parts of the pharynx involved in the digestive system. 2. The oropharynx receives food from the mouth, while the laryngopharynx leads to the esophagus. 3. The nasopharynx is not involved in food digestion, it connects to the nasal cavity. 4. The laryngopharynx is crucial in guiding food towards the esophagus. Summary: A: Incorrect, as the oropharynx alone does not cover the entire pathway of food. B: Incorrect, as the nasopharynx is not involved in food passage. C: Incorrect, as it excludes the laryngopharynx which is essential for food digestion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Histamine stimulates the parietal cells in the stomach lining to release hydrochloric acid (HCl). This process plays a crucial role in the digestion of food. Parietal cells are responsible for producing stomach acid, which helps break down food and kill bacteria. Choice A is incorrect because intrinsic factor is not released by parietal cells in response to histamine. Choice B is incorrect because pepsinogen is released by chief cells, not parietal cells. Choice D is incorrect because mucous neck cells secrete mucus to protect the stomach lining, but they are not directly stimulated by histamine to release mucus.