The nurse is caring for a patient who has been experiencing severe diarrhea and can now resume solid foods. The nurse educates the patient about appropriate food choices. Which food choice indicates that the nurse's teaching has been successful?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Applesauce. Applesauce is a low-fiber, easily digestible food that is gentle on the digestive system, making it an appropriate choice for someone recovering from severe diarrhea. It helps to bind stool and prevent further irritation. Whole-grain rice (choice A) and wheat toast (choice B) are high-fiber foods that may worsen diarrhea. Grapes (choice D) are high in natural sugars and can also aggravate diarrhea. In summary, the nurse's teaching is successful when the patient chooses applesauce because it is gentle on the digestive system and helps in recovery from diarrhea.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because stopping blood pressure medication without medical guidance can be dangerous and worsen hypertension. A is correct as reducing sodium intake helps lower blood pressure. B is correct as physical activity is beneficial. C is incorrect, as limiting alcohol intake is also important in managing hypertension.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The majority of carbohydrate digestion occurs in the mouth. This is because the enzyme amylase, present in saliva, begins breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars like maltose. The process starts in the mouth as the food is chewed and mixed with saliva, creating a bolus that can be easily swallowed. In the stomach, the acidic environment actually inhibits amylase activity, so minimal carbohydrate digestion occurs there. The small intestine is where further digestion and absorption of carbohydrates primarily happen, but the initial breakdown in the mouth is crucial. The esophagus is not involved in digestion, but rather in the transportation of food to the stomach.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the small intestine, because it is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. The small intestine is lined with villi and microvilli, increasing its surface area for efficient absorption. It contains specialized cells that transport nutrients into the bloodstream for distribution to the body. The stomach (B) primarily breaks down food using digestive enzymes and acids, while the pancreas (C) secretes digestive enzymes but does not directly absorb nutrients. The liver (D) plays a role in bile production and detoxification, but nutrient absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chemical digestion of proteins. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid and enzymes like pepsin to break down proteins into peptides and amino acids. This process is essential for protein digestion. Mechanical digestion (A) occurs mainly in the mouth and intestines. Absorption of nutrients (C) primarily takes place in the small intestine. Neutralization of stomach acid (D) is not the primary role of the stomach; rather, the stomach maintains an acidic environment for digestion.