Chapter 56: Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System Actual Exam Questions And 100% Verified Correct Answers Graded A+.

Which structure would be identified as being responsible for the initiation of digestion? - correct answer Mouth The mouth initiates secretion of saliva that contains water and digestive enzymes to begin the digestive process. The stomach is responsible for mechanical and chemical breakdown of foods into useable nutrients. The small intestine is responsible for absorption of nutrients. The pancreas secretes enzymes and sodium bicarbonate into the beginning of the small intestine to neutralize acid from the stomach and further facilitate digestion. Which substance is secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach? - correct answer Hydrochloric acid The parietal cells of the stomach secrete hydrochloric acid. Pepsin is secreted by the chief cells. Gastrin is stimulated by the arrival of the food bolus in the stomach. Bile is secreted by the gall bladder. What best describes the action of sodium bicarbonate? - correct answer Neutralize the acid bolus Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the acid bolus. Saliva facilitates swallowing by making the food bolus slippery. Chymotrypsin and trypsin break down proteins into amino acids. Gastrin causes stomach muscle contraction. When describing the process used by the esophagus for motility, which would the nurse include? - correct answer Peristalsis The esophagus uses peristalsis to move food forward. Churning occurs in the stomach. Mass movement with an occasional peristaltic wave occurs in the large intestine. The small intestine uses a process of segmentation with an occasional peristaltic wave to clear the segment. The gastrointestinal system is sterile. - correct answer False The gastrointestinal system is the only system in the body that is open to the external environment and therefore is not sterile. The peritoneum lines the abdominal wall and viscera. - correct answer True The stomach has three muscle layers, one running horizontally, one running circularly, and one running obliquely. - correct answer True A patient has been diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. Within the gastrointestinal tract, what secretion protects the esophagus from the development of ulcerations? - correct answer Mucus The function of mucus is to protect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract from digestive juices, lubricate the food bolus for easier passage, promote adherence of the fecal mass, and neutralize acids and bases. Hydrochloric acid will erode the gastrointestinal tract without mucus. Gastrin and pepsin do not protect the gastrointestinal tract from erosion. The nurse assists and educates clients about the structure and function of the digestive system. The nurse is reviewing the processes involved during digestion. What is the best explanation the nurse can give the client about the process of peristalsis? - correct answer Alternate contraction and relaxation of muscles that sends food down through the digestive tube Peristalsis is alternate contraction and relaxation of muscles that sends food down through the digestive tube. Mastication is the act of chewing. Absorption is the process of transferring broken-down food elements into the circulation for transport. Deglutition is the process of swallowing. A nurse is providing health education regarding the role of the accessory organs of the digestive system. What is the best explanation by the nurse of the action of bile released by the gallbladder? - correct answer Emulsification of fat The nurse needs to explain that the bile released by the gallbladder is involved in the emulsification of fat. Formation of urea and the synthesis of immunoglobulin are functions of the liver. Breakdown of protein is not an action of bile. A major physiologic function of the gastrointestinal system is to: - correct answer absorb nutrients into the bloodstream The gastrointestinal system functions to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream and digest food. The liver functions in blood clotting. The stomach serves as a food storage reservoir and the esophagus passes food from the pharynx to the stomach. The absorption of most nutrients occurs in which part of the digestive system? - correct answer Small intestine Most nutrients and oral drugs are absorbed in the small intestine. A patient has mucus present throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Which disorder can occur when mucus is not secreted? - correct answer Gastric ulceration One of the functions of mucus is to protect the lining of the digestive tract from digestive juices, including the highly acidic gastric juices in the stomach. When mucus is not secreted, gastric ulceration occurs within hours. Drugs used to treat digestive disorders act on what aspect of the gastrointestinal system? - correct answer Secretion Motility Absorption