The nurse is caring for a patient who returns to the floor at lunchtime after undergoing an upper GI (UGI) series. Which action is most important for the nurse to perform first?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a laxative. After an upper GI series, it is important to help the patient eliminate the contrast dye used during the procedure. Administering a laxative will facilitate the removal of the dye from the gastrointestinal tract. This is crucial to prevent any potential complications or adverse effects from the contrast dye. Explanation for incorrect choices: B: Educating the patient about the possibility of white stools is not the most immediate concern after an upper GI series. While this information is important for the patient to know, it is not the most urgent action to take. C: Offering the patient a small snack may be appropriate after the procedure, but ensuring the elimination of the contrast dye through a laxative is more critical. D: Providing oral care is important for overall patient comfort and hygiene, but it is not the priority immediately following an upper GI series.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Be sure to have regular blood tests to monitor your INR." Warfarin is a medication that requires close monitoring of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure it is within the therapeutic range. Regular blood tests are crucial to prevent complications such as bleeding or blood clots. Choice A is incorrect because aspirin increases the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin. Choice C is incorrect because increasing vitamin K-rich foods can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. Choice D is incorrect because doubling the dose can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring of INR levels is essential for safe and effective warfarin therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: gastrin. Gastrin is a hormone produced by G cells in the stomach lining that stimulates the release of gastric acid. It acts directly on parietal cells to increase acid secretion. Secretin (B) stimulates pancreatic bicarbonate secretion, not gastric acid. Insulin (C) regulates blood sugar levels, not gastric acid secretion. Cholecystokinin (D) stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic enzymes, not gastric acid.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: chemical digestion of starch. In the mouth, salivary glands secrete enzymes like amylase to break down starch into simpler sugars. This process initiates the digestion of carbohydrates. Mechanical digestion (Choice B) occurs in the mouth through chewing and mixing food with saliva, but it does not involve chemical breakdown. Chemical digestion of proteins (Choice A) primarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine with the help of enzymes like pepsin and trypsin. Choice D is incorrect because not all the processes listed occur in the mouth.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: storing bile. The gallbladder functions to store bile produced by the liver and release it into the small intestine to aid in digestion. Bile helps in the breakdown of fats. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the gallbladder does not produce bile (the liver does), secrete digestive enzymes (pancreas does), or neutralize stomach acid (function of the stomach and duodenum).