Chapter 03: Digestion, Absorption, and Metabolism

Chapter 03: Digestion, Absorption, and Metabolism

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. Peristalsis is necessary to make it possible for people to _____ food.

a.	chew
b.	digest
c.	swallow
d.	smell and taste

 

 

ANS:  C

Peristalsis makes swallowing possible as involuntary movements of circular and longitudinal muscles move food along the esophagus from the mouth to the stomach. Chewing is accomplished by jaw muscles and is not related to peristalsis. Peristalsis helps move food along the gastrointestinal tract to the places where digestion of each nutrient takes place, but it does not make digestion itself possible. Smell and taste are not related to peristalsis.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying               REF:   Page 42

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity

 

2. Examples of mechanical digestion include

a.	activity of salivary amylase in the mouth.
b.	churning and mixing of food in the stomach.
c.	action of bile breaking fats into smaller droplets.
d.	effects of secretin in stimulating the pancreas to release bicarbonate.

 

 

ANS:  B

Churning and mixing of food in the stomach is an example of mechanical digestion because it causes physical breakdown of the food. Salivary amylase is an enzyme that causes chemical breakdown of food; bile causes emulsification of fats. Secretin is a hormone that stimulates release of bicarbonate from the pancreas; this buffers stomach acid so that intestinal enzymes can work.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding       REF:   Pages 42-43 | Page 47

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity

 

3. An example of a problem caused by a sphincter muscle not operating properly is

a.	constipation.
b.	gallbladder disease.
c.	heartburn.
d.	peptic ulcer.

 

 

ANS:  C

Heartburn is caused by reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus when the sphincter muscle between these two parts of the digestive tract does not operate properly. Constipation is usually caused by slow peristalsis, often in relation to inadequate intake of dietary fiber and fluid. Gallbladder disease is unrelated to gastrointestinal sphincters. Peptic ulcer is usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infection.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying               REF:   Pages 42-43 | Page 46 | Pages 49-50

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity

 

4. The best description of an enzyme is a(n)

a.	chemical messenger.
b.	acid and alkali buffer.
c.	emulsifier.
d.	organic catalyst.

 

 

ANS:  D

Enzymes are organic catalysts that work on specific classes of nutrients to change them from one form to a simpler form. The description “chemical messenger” applies to hormones. The emulsifier in the intestines is bile. The pancreas secretes alkaline bicarbonate to buffer stomach acid so that intestinal enzymes can work properly.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   Page 40 | Pages 43-44

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity

 

5. Chemicals that act as messengers are called

a.	proteins.
b.	hormones.
c.	enzymes.
d.	nerve impulses.

 

 

ANS:  B

Hormones act as messengers between organs to cause release of needed secretions. Some, but not all, hormones are proteins. Enzymes work locally on specific classes of nutrients to change them from one form to a simpler form. Nerve impulses send messages in the body but via electrical impulses rather than via chemicals.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   Pages 43-44 | Page 47

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity