A nurse is caring for a client who has a gastric ulcer. Which of the following herbal supplements should the nurse recommend?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Licorice. Licorice has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and mucosal protective effects on the gastrointestinal tract, which can benefit clients with gastric ulcers. It can help enhance mucous production and promote ulcer healing. Feverfew (B) may increase the risk of bleeding, Comfrey (C) contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver, and Ephedra (D) can worsen gastric ulcer symptoms due to its stimulant effect on the stomach.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: vagus. The vagus nerve, or cranial nerve X, carries sensation from the digestive tract to the CNS. It is a major player in the parasympathetic nervous system, controlling many vital functions including digestion. The other options, gastric and spinal accessory, are not cranial nerves responsible for carrying sensations from the digestive tract. Choice D is incorrect as the vagus nerve specifically serves this function.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: inferior. Dentin is located beneath the enamel in a tooth, making it inferior to the enamel. Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth that covers the dentin. Therefore, the dentin is positioned below or inferior to the enamel. Choice B (anterior) refers to the front of a tooth, not its relationship to dentin. Choice C (superior) means above, which is not correct in this context. Choice D (posterior) refers to the back of a tooth, not its position relative to the enamel.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: protein. Gastric secretions primarily consist of hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which break down proteins into smaller peptides. This process is essential for protein digestion in the stomach. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because fats are primarily digested in the small intestine with the help of bile, starch is broken down by amylase in the mouth and small intestine, and nucleic acids are digested in the small intestine by nucleases. Therefore, protein is the major food digested by gastric secretions due to the presence of pepsin and hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: ileum. The ileum is the longest region of the small intestine, measuring about 6-7 meters in length. It is responsible for further digestion and absorption of nutrients, particularly vitamin B12 and bile salts. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and is relatively short, the jejunum is the middle section of the small intestine, and the colon is part of the large intestine. Therefore, the ileum is the correct answer based on its length and function in the digestive process.