An older patient reports chronic constipation. To promote bowel evacuation, when should the nurse suggest that the patient attempt defecation?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Right after awakening in the morning. This is because the gastrocolic reflex is most active in the morning, leading to increased bowel motility. This reflex is triggered by the presence of food in the stomach and helps facilitate bowel evacuation. Attempting defecation in the morning takes advantage of this natural reflex, making it easier for the patient to have a bowel movement. A: In the middle of the night - Incorrect. Bowel motility is typically lowest during nighttime hours, making it less likely for the patient to have a successful bowel movement. B: In the afternoon - Incorrect. Bowel motility tends to decrease throughout the day, making it less optimal for promoting bowel evacuation. C: After eating breakfast - Incorrect. While eating can stimulate bowel movement, the gastrocolic reflex is most active in the morning, making this a suboptimal time for defecation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 6. The alimentary tube, also known as the digestive tract, is approximately 6 meters long in adults. This length allows for the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choice A (2) is too short for the length of the digestive tract. Choice B (4) is closer but still shorter than the actual length. Choice D (9) is too long and does not accurately represent the length of the alimentary tube. Therefore, choice C is the most accurate and logical option based on the average length of the human digestive tract.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: enterokinase. Enterokinase is an enzyme that activates trypsinogen into trypsin in the small intestine, which then triggers the activation of other pancreatic zymogens like chymotrypsinogen and procarboxypeptidase. Trypsin itself does not activate other enzymes. Carboxypeptidase is not involved in the activation of other enzymes. Chymotrypsin is activated by trypsin, not the other way around. Thus, enterokinase is the enzyme that initiates the cascade of enzyme activation in the small intestine.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: cholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis specifically refers to the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. Cholecystitis (A) is inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystectomy (B) is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Cholesterol calculi (D) refers to gallstones made of cholesterol. Cholelithiasis is the most appropriate term to describe the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The function of villi in the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from digested food. Villi increase the surface area for absorption, allowing nutrients to be absorbed efficiently. This process is essential for nutrient uptake and proper functioning of the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because villi do not secrete enzymes, transport water, or produce bile. Enzymes are secreted by the pancreas and other organs, water is primarily absorbed in the large intestine, and bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.