The nurse is percussing a patient's abdomen and hears a dull thud in the right upper quadrant. This sound indicates that the nurse is percussing over which location?

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Gastrointestinal Nursing Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is percussing a patient's abdomen and hears a dull thud in the right upper quadrant. This sound indicates that the nurse is percussing over which location?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The liver. When percussing the abdomen, a dull thud in the right upper quadrant indicates the presence of a solid organ like the liver. The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, making it the most likely source of the dull sound. The other choices are incorrect because the small intestine and stomach are hollow organs, which would produce a tympanic sound when percussed. The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity, not the abdominal cavity, so percussing over the lungs would not produce a sound in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about foot care. Which statement by the patient indicates that further teaching is needed?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - "I can use heating pads to warm my feet if they are cold." Rationale: 1. Using heating pads can cause burns or injuries due to reduced sensation in diabetic feet. 2. Patients with diabetes should avoid direct heat on their feet. 3. Optimal foot care for diabetics includes inspecting feet, washing with mild soap, and trimming nails correctly. Summary: A: Correct - Washing feet daily is recommended. B: Correct - Inspecting feet daily is essential for early detection of issues. C: Incorrect - Using heating pads can be harmful to diabetic feet. D: Correct - Trimming toenails straight across is an appropriate practice.

Question 3 of 5

Which of these enzymes is responsible for digesting proteins?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: trypsin. Trypsin is responsible for digesting proteins as it specifically breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. Amylase (A) digests carbohydrates, lipase (B) breaks down fats, and sucrase (D) digests sucrose, a type of sugar. Trypsin is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in protein digestion in the small intestine. Its specificity for proteins makes it the correct enzyme for this function.

Question 4 of 5

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water and electrolytes from the indigestible food residue passed from the small intestine. This absorption process helps in forming solid waste (feces) and maintaining body fluid balance. Absorbing nutrients (Option A) primarily occurs in the small intestine. Digesting proteins (Option C) mainly takes place in the stomach and small intestine. The secretion of digestive enzymes (Option D) also primarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine, not in the large intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Question 5 of 5

Which of the following is the primary function of the small intestine?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: absorption of nutrients. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream for distribution to the body's cells. It has specialized structures like villi and microvilli to maximize absorption surface area. Choice A is incorrect because while the small intestine does play a role in digesting fats, it is not its primary function. Choice B is incorrect because the digestion of carbohydrates primarily occurs in the mouth and stomach. Choice D is incorrect as the small intestine does not store bile, but rather receives it from the liver and gallbladder to aid in digestion.

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