The home health nurse is caring for a patient with tuberculosis who is taking rifampin and isoniazid (INH). The nurse should carefully monitor the patient for which potential side effect?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver disorders. Rifampin and isoniazid are known to cause hepatotoxicity as a potential side effect. The combination of these two medications can lead to liver damage, making it crucial for the nurse to monitor liver function tests regularly. Gallstones (A), bleeding ulcers (C), and esophagitis (D) are not typically associated with rifampin and isoniazid therapy. Monitoring for liver disorders is essential due to the risk of hepatotoxicity with these medications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The liver detoxifies drugs and alcohol. The liver contains enzymes that break down harmful substances, helping to remove toxins from the body. This process is essential for maintaining overall health. Choice A is incorrect because the pancreas, not the liver, produces digestive enzymes. Choice B is also incorrect because the gallbladder, not the liver, stores bile. Choice D is incorrect because the pancreas, not the liver, produces insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Small intestine. The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs due to its large surface area, specialized villi, and microvilli that increase absorption efficiency. Digestive enzymes and bile are also secreted here to further break down nutrients. Stomach (A) primarily aids in digestion, not absorption. Large intestine (C) mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, not nutrients. Mouth (D) begins the digestion process by mechanical breakdown and some enzyme release, but minimal absorption occurs here.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vagal stimulation. Vagal stimulation does not directly increase the secretion of the exocrine pancreas. Acetylcholine, Secretin, and CCK are known to stimulate pancreatic secretion through various mechanisms. Acetylcholine acts through muscarinic receptors, Secretin is released in response to acidic chyme in the duodenum, and CCK is released in response to fat and proteins in the duodenum, all leading to increased pancreatic enzyme secretion. Vagal stimulation plays a role in the parasympathetic nervous system but does not directly stimulate pancreatic secretion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because secretin is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of bicarbonate by pancreatic duct cells. This helps neutralize the acidic chyme entering the duodenum from the stomach. A is incorrect because secretin does not directly affect salivary secretion. B is incorrect because secretin does not relax the esophageal sphincters. C is incorrect because secretin inhibits gastric secretion rather than stimulating it. Therefore, the correct choice is D as it aligns with the physiological role of secretin in pancreatic bicarbonate secretion.