The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum creatinine level of 4.0 mg/dL. This is prioritized as high serum creatinine indicates impaired kidney function in chronic kidney disease. Elevated creatinine levels suggest decreased glomerular filtration rate, which is crucial in monitoring kidney function. Option A (Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L) may be important due to the risk of hyperkalemia in kidney disease, but it is not as critical as monitoring kidney function. Option B (BUN level of 18 mg/dL) is within normal range and typically fluctuates based on diet and hydration status. Option D (Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL) is important but not the priority in this case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the small intestine is where the majority of digestion occurs, including the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This is facilitated by enzymes and bile produced by other organs. Villi in the small intestine increase surface area for absorption, making choice A incorrect. Absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine, so choice C is incorrect. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not the small intestine, making choice D incorrect. Thus, the small intestine's role in digestion makes it the correct characteristic.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Amylase. Amylase is responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates by breaking down starches into simple sugars like glucose. It is produced in the salivary glands and pancreas, and works in both the mouth and small intestine. Lipase (B) digests fats, Pepsin (C) digests proteins, and Trypsin (D) also digests proteins but not carbohydrates. Therefore, they are not responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Enteropeptidase. Enteropeptidase is not produced by the exocrine pancreas; it is produced by the duodenal mucosa. Proelastase, DNase, and amylase are enzymes produced by the exocrine pancreas. Proelastase is involved in the breakdown of elastin, DNase breaks down DNA, and amylase helps in the digestion of carbohydrates. Therefore, the correct answer is D because Enteropeptidase is not produced by the exocrine pancreas but by the duodenal mucosa.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bile salts. Bile salts play a crucial role in the contraction of the gallbladder. When bile salts are released into the duodenum, they stimulate the gallbladder to contract, releasing bile into the small intestine to aid in digestion. Secretin (choice A) and VIP (choice B) are hormones that primarily regulate pancreatic secretion, not gallbladder contraction. Atropine (choice D) is an anticholinergic drug that inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system and would not stimulate gallbladder contraction. Therefore, the correct answer is C as bile salts directly trigger the contraction of the gallbladder.