A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who has acute pancreatitis. The nurse should expect to find an elevation of which of following values?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Amylase. During acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to leakage of amylase into the bloodstream. Therefore, elevated levels of serum amylase are expected in clients with acute pancreatitis. A: Calcium levels may be decreased in acute pancreatitis due to fat necrosis and calcium binding to free fatty acids. B: RBC count is not typically affected in acute pancreatitis. C: Magnesium levels may be normal or slightly decreased, but it is not a consistent finding in acute pancreatitis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages." This is because both coffee and alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased likelihood of gastroesophageal reflux. A: "Lie down after meals" can worsen reflux symptoms as gravity helps keep stomach contents down. C: "Take antacids with meals" may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of reflux. D: "Limit fluid intake with meals" can help reduce bloating but has no direct impact on preventing reflux.

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.