A nurse is caring for a client who has diverticular disease. When palpating the client's abdomen, in which of the following locations should the nurse expect the client to report abdominal pain?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lower left quadrant. This is because diverticular disease commonly affects the sigmoid colon, which is located in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen. Pain in this area is a hallmark symptom of diverticular disease. The other choices (B, C, D) are incorrect because diverticular disease typically causes pain in the lower left quadrant due to inflammation and infection of the diverticula in that area. Upper quadrants are less likely to be affected by diverticular disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased heart rate. Esophageal varices are dilated blood vessels in the esophagus, commonly associated with liver cirrhosis. Due to increased pressure in the portal vein system, patients with esophageal varices may experience increased heart rate as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output. The other choices are incorrect because esophageal varices are not typically associated with increased blood pressure (A), decreased respiratory rate (C), or increased urinary output (D).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The lamina propria and muscularis mucosa are components of the mucosa layer. The lamina propria is a layer of connective tissue beneath the epithelium, while the muscularis mucosa is a thin layer of smooth muscle. Both are part of the mucosa, which is the innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the correct answer is A: mucosa. The other choices are incorrect because the submucosa (B) is located outside the mucosa layer, the muscularis (C) is a separate layer of smooth muscle outside the mucosa, and the serosa (D) is the outermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: water. Water is the most easily absorbed in the oral cavity due to its small molecular size and simple structure, allowing for rapid absorption through the mucous membranes in the mouth. Glucose, fatty acids, and peptides are larger molecules that require further breakdown by enzymes in the digestive system before absorption can occur, making them less easily absorbed in the oral cavity. Water, being a small molecule and essential for various physiological functions, can be quickly absorbed directly through the oral mucosa into the bloodstream, providing immediate hydration and other benefits.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: peristaltic reflex. During the esophageal phase of swallowing, peristalsis is the coordinated contraction and relaxation of muscles that propels food down the esophagus. This reflex is initiated by the stretching of the esophageal wall when food bolus enters, triggering a series of contractions to move the bolus towards the stomach. The enteric reflex (B) involves local reflexes within the gut but is not specific to the esophageal phase of swallowing. The swallowing center (C) in the medulla oblongata coordinates the overall swallowing process but does not directly cause the esophageal phase. The coughing reflex (D) is a protective mechanism to clear the airway, not involved in the esophageal phase.