A nurse is interviewing a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following factors should the nurse anticipate finding in the client's history?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gallstones. Acute pancreatitis is commonly caused by gallstones or alcohol consumption. Gallstones can block the pancreatic duct, leading to inflammation. Hypolipidemia, COPD, and diabetes mellitus are not directly associated with pancreatitis. This history finding helps the nurse identify the potential cause and plan appropriate care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: skeletal muscle. The superior esophagus contains skeletal muscle in its tunica muscularis, allowing for voluntary control over swallowing. Cardiac muscle is found in the heart, not in the esophagus. Smooth muscle is present in the lower esophagus for involuntary movements. Choice D is incorrect as the superior esophagus does not contain a mix of smooth and skeletal muscle.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: uvula. The uvula is a teardrop-shaped projection from the posterior edge of the soft palate that elevates during swallowing to help close off the nasopharynx, preventing food or liquids from entering the nasal cavity. The uvula's contraction is essential for proper swallowing function. A: Buccal fat pad - located in the cheek area, not involved in swallowing or closing off the nasopharynx. B: Epiglottis - a flap of tissue that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway, not related to closing off the nasopharynx. D: Palatine tonsil - located on the sides of the throat, important for immune function but not directly involved in swallowing or closing off the nasopharynx.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is an involuntary process, meaning it occurs automatically without conscious control. This phase involves the contraction of skeletal muscles in the pharynx to propel the food bolus towards the esophagus. Skeletal muscles are under voluntary control, but in the context of swallowing, the pharyngeal phase is involuntary. Thus, the correct answer is C: involuntary; skeletal. Choice A (involuntary; smooth) is incorrect because smooth muscles are not typically involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. Choice B (voluntary; smooth) is incorrect because the pharyngeal phase is not under voluntary control, and smooth muscles are not the primary muscles involved. Choice D (voluntary; skeletal) is incorrect because the pharyngeal phase is involuntary and skeletal muscles, not smooth muscles, are responsible for the muscle contractions during this phase.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the described sequence of events matches the process of swallowing. Raising the larynx and hyoid bone helps to protect the airway, closing the epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea, closing the soft palate blocks the nasopharynx to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity, and the contraction of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles along with relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter facilitate the movement of food into the esophagus. This series of actions is characteristic of the swallowing reflex. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Low blood glucose levels do not directly trigger the swallowing reflex. Irritation in the GI tract would not lead to the described sequence of events. Bolus entering the larynx or nasopharynx would not be part of the normal swallowing process and would typically trigger the gagging reflex instead.