After several days of antibiotic therapy for pneumonia, an older hospitalized patient develops watery

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse should prioritize assessing the patient's condition to ensure immediate safety and appropriate intervention. This includes evaluating for signs of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and potential complications like Clostridium difficile infection. Option B is not the first action as immediate assessment is crucial. Option C is important but not the priority at this moment. Option D is important but should not be the first action in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Pancreatitis is mainly the result of trypsin activity. Trypsin is an enzyme produced by the pancreas to aid in digestion. When trypsin becomes activated within the pancreas itself, it can lead to the digestion of pancreatic tissue and cause inflammation, leading to pancreatitis. Bile (A) and bacterial (B) activities are not primary causes of pancreatitis. Carboxypeptidase (C) is another pancreatic enzyme, but its activity does not play a significant role in causing pancreatitis compared to trypsin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: micelles. Bile salts emulsify fats in the small intestine, forming micelles that enhance the absorption of fatty acids. Chylomicrons (A) are large lipoprotein particles that transport dietary lipids, not complexes with bile salts. Globules (C) are not specifically related to bile salts and fatty acids. Lipoproteins (D) are also involved in lipid transport but are not the complexes formed by bile salts and fatty acids. Thus, choice B is the correct answer as it directly relates to the process of fat absorption facilitated by bile salts.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: water absorption. The large intestine's main function is to absorb water and electrolytes from the indigestible food residue that enters it from the small intestine. This process helps in the formation of solid feces. Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine (A). Bile production is done by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not in the large intestine (B). Enzyme secretion primarily occurs in the small intestine and other digestive organs, not in the large intestine (D). Therefore, C is the correct answer as it aligns with the main function of the large intestine.

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.