The nurse caring for an 80-year-old woman who is undergoing the extensive bowel preparation for a colonoscopy. The nurse should most closely monitor the patient for which potential complication?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Metabolic acidosis. During bowel preparation for a colonoscopy, the patient may experience electrolyte imbalances due to fluid loss from diarrhea and bowel cleansing agents. This can lead to metabolic acidosis, characterized by low pH and bicarbonate levels in the blood. The nurse should monitor for signs such as confusion, weakness, and rapid breathing. Diarrhea (A) is a common side effect of bowel preparation but is not the most critical complication to monitor. Fatigue (C) and dyspnea (D) are not directly related to the electrolyte imbalances that can lead to metabolic acidosis in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The small intestine is the correct answer because it is the primary site for nutrient absorption, including vitamins and minerals. It has a large surface area thanks to villi and microvilli, facilitating absorption. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, not vitamins and minerals. The mouth and esophagus are not involved in nutrient absorption but rather in the initial stages of digestion and transportation of food.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Villi. Villi are finger-like projections lining the small intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption. This structure is crucial for efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Hepatic portal vein - This structure is not found in the small intestine but connects the intestines to the liver. C: Goblet cells - While present in the small intestine, they are not a defining structure of the small intestine. D: Mesenteries - These are connective tissues that support and hold organs in place, not a structure specific to the small intestine.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Absorption of calcium. The colon primarily absorbs water, sodium, and chloride, but not calcium. Calcium absorption mainly occurs in the small intestine. The colon's main function is to absorb water and electrolytes, and to store and eliminate waste. Therefore, absorption of calcium does not occur in the colon, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as the colon is involved in the absorption of water, sodium, and chloride, respectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Digestive enzymes. The liver produces bile, which contains bile salts that help digest fats in the small intestine. Additionally, the liver produces various digestive enzymes like lipase, amylase, and proteases. These enzymes aid in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats during the digestion process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because secondary bile acids are produced in the intestine, stercobilinogen is a product of bilirubin breakdown in the intestine, and CCK (cholecystokinin) is a hormone produced by the small intestine to stimulate the release of bile and pancreatic enzymes but not directly produced by the liver.