The nurse explains that the older adult is prone to digestive disorders related to which age-related change?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased hydrochloric acid. As people age, there is a natural decline in hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, leading to decreased digestion and absorption of nutrients. This can result in digestive disorders such as malabsorption. Increased enzyme levels (B) would actually be beneficial for digestion. Inadequate chewing (C) can lead to issues like choking but is not specifically related to age. Diminished intestinal motility (D) can occur with age but is not directly linked to digestive disorders in older adults.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because consuming contaminated shellfish can lead to Hepatitis A infection. It is important to ask about dietary habits to identify potential sources of infection. Choice A is incorrect as it assumes drug use, which may not be relevant to the patient. Choice B is more focused on sexual behavior rather than Hepatitis transmission. Choice C is irrelevant unless there was a known Hepatitis outbreak in Canada.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The majority of chemical digestion in the stomach occurs in the fundus and body regions. These areas contain gastric glands that secrete hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen, which break down proteins. The fundus and body also mix and churn food to create chyme. The cardia and pylorus do not play a significant role in chemical digestion. The cardia is the entry point of the stomach and mainly responsible for food entry, while the pylorus regulates the release of chyme into the small intestine. The body region alone does not have as many gastric glands compared to the fundus and is mainly involved in mixing and storing food.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the enteric nervous system is a complex network of neurons that controls digestion independently of the brain. It regulates gastrointestinal functions such as peristalsis, secretion of digestive enzymes, and blood flow. This system can operate autonomously but is also influenced by the central nervous system. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the enteric nervous system is not responsible for controlling voluntary movements, regulating hormone secretion, or controlling respiratory functions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: liver. The liver is responsible for the production of bile, which is a greenish-yellow fluid that aids in digestion by emulsifying fats. Bile is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder (not produced by it). The pancreas produces digestive enzymes, not bile. The small intestine is where bile is released to help with the digestion of fats, but it is not responsible for its production. Therefore, the liver is the correct answer as it is the primary organ involved in bile production.