The nurse is caring for a patient receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following signs indicates that the patient is developing a complication from the chemotherapy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: White blood cell count of 3,000 cells/mm3. A low white blood cell count is a common side effect of chemotherapy, putting the patient at risk for infections. Monitoring WBC count is crucial to detect complications early. A: Mild nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy but does not necessarily indicate a complication. C: Reddened areas on the skin could be due to various reasons and are not specific to chemotherapy complications. D: Small amount of urine output could be a concern, but it is not a common sign of chemotherapy complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: small intestine. The absorption of most nutrients occurs in the small intestine due to its large surface area, which is facilitated by villi and microvilli. Digestive enzymes and bile produced by the liver and pancreas help break down food into absorbable nutrients. Nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine and into the bloodstream for distribution to the body. The stomach primarily functions in digestion, while the large intestine absorbs water and salts and the rectum stores waste before elimination.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: small intestine. Digestive enzymes are activated in the small intestine to break down nutrients. Firstly, enzymes are secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine, where they act on carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Secondly, bile from the liver helps in the digestion of fats. The stomach mainly secretes gastric juices for protein digestion, not enzymes for overall digestion. The liver produces bile, not digestive enzymes. The pancreas secretes various digestive enzymes, but they become activated in the small intestine.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Parietal cells. Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid in the stomach to create the acidic environment necessary for digestion. They also secrete intrinsic factor for vitamin B12 absorption. Chief cells produce pepsinogen, not hydrochloric acid. Mucous neck cells secrete mucus to protect the stomach lining. Enteroendocrine cells secrete hormones like gastrin, not hydrochloric acid. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it directly produces hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the defecation reflex is integrated in a control center in the sacral spinal cord. This is due to the presence of the parasympathetic nerves that control the smooth muscles of the colon and rectum in the sacral region. The sacral spinal cord is responsible for coordinating the reflexive relaxation of the internal anal sphincter and contraction of the rectum during defecation. Choices A and B are incorrect because the initiation and integration of the defecation reflex do not involve the anal canal stretching or the lumbar spinal cord. Choice D is incorrect as the defecation reflex is not controlled by the vagus nerve, which is primarily responsible for the parasympathetic innervation of organs in the thorax and upper abdomen.