The nurse is assessing a patient who had an abdominal hysterectomy. Which of the following signs of infection should the nurse be most concerned about?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Purulent drainage from the incision site. Purulent drainage indicates an active infection, requiring immediate attention and intervention to prevent serious complications. Redness and a low-grade fever can be common in the early stages of healing and may not necessarily indicate infection. Complaints of mild cramping are also common post-surgery and may not specifically point to infection. Purulent drainage is a more specific and concerning sign of infection as it indicates the presence of pus and bacteria at the incision site, requiring prompt medical evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: amylase. Amylase is responsible for digesting carbohydrates by breaking down starches into simple sugars. Pepsin (A) digests proteins, lipase (C) digests fats, and trypsin (D) digests proteins as well. Amylase specifically targets carbohydrates, making it the correct enzyme for this function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: digestive enzymes. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and protease to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. Insulin (choice A) is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, not aid in digestion. Gastric acid (choice B) is produced by the stomach, not the pancreas. Bile (choice D) is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder to aid in fat digestion, not directly secreted by the pancreas for digestion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cholecystokinin. Cholecystokinin is a hormone released by the small intestine in response to the presence of fats in the duodenum. It stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. Secretin (A) stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate to neutralize acidic chyme. Insulin (B) regulates blood sugar levels, not bile release. Gastrin (D) stimulates the release of gastric acid in the stomach, not bile.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: The small intestine has segmentation contractions. This is because segmentation contractions are responsible for mixing and moving chyme (partially digested food) along the small intestine, allowing for optimal nutrient absorption. This process helps maximize the contact between chyme and the intestinal walls, facilitating absorption. A: Incorrect. The small intestine does not store food for several hours; instead, it continuously processes and absorbs nutrients. B: Incorrect. While the small intestine plays a crucial role in digestion and absorption, the main source of digestive enzymes is the pancreas. C: Incorrect. Haustrae are found in the large intestine, not the small intestine. They aid in the absorption of water and electrolytes.