Which information about an 80-yr-old male patient at the senior center is of most concern to the nurse?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Unintended weight loss. In older adults, unintended weight loss can be a sign of underlying health issues such as malnutrition, chronic diseases, or even cancer. It is a significant concern as it may indicate a decline in overall health and increase the risk of complications. Decreased appetite (choice A) and occasional indigestion (choice B) are common in older adults but may not necessarily be as alarming as unintended weight loss. Difficulty chewing food (choice D) could also contribute to weight loss but is not as concerning as the weight loss itself, which could have more serious implications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: muscularis. The muscularis layer of the intestine is responsible for generating peristaltic waves through rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle, aiding in the movement of food along the digestive tract. The serosa (A) is the outermost layer that provides protection and support. The submucosa (C) contains blood vessels and nerves, while the mucous (D) layer secretes mucus for lubrication and protection. Therefore, the muscularis layer is specifically designed for peristalsis, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: sphincter of Oddi. This sphincter controls the flow of pancreatic secretions and bile into the duodenum. It regulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver, ensuring proper digestion. The other choices are incorrect because: A: pyloric valve controls the flow of food from the stomach to the small intestine, not pancreatic secretions. C: the common bile duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum, not pancreatic secretions. D: cholecystokinin secretion is a hormone that stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder, not a physical barrier to block pancreatic secretions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: pancreatic. The ampulla of Vater is where the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct join before emptying into the duodenum. The pancreatic duct carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas, which mix with bile from the common bile duct to aid in digestion. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the hepatic duct carries bile from the liver to the common bile duct, the cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct, and the common hepatic duct is a part of the biliary system but does not directly join to the ampulla of Vater.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: digestion of fats. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps in emulsifying fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets to increase the surface area for enzymes to act upon. This aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Other choices are incorrect because bile does not directly participate in the digestion of carbohydrates (A) or proteins (C). It also does not neutralize stomach acid (D), which is mainly done by pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine.