Introduction to the GI System and Hepatobiliary System

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Questions and Answers

Which enzyme is primarily elevated in conditions affecting the liver, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis?

LDH (lactic dehydrogenase)

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) (correct)

Alkaline phosphatase

Ammonia

What is the normal range for albumin levels in adults?

6 to 8 g/dl

1.2 to 2.2 g/dl

2.3 to 3.4 g/dl

3.2 to 4.5 g/dl (correct)

What is one of the nursing interventions related to serum protein testing?

Administer antibiotics before testing

Collect a urine sample for analysis

Monitor the venipuncture site for bleeding (correct)

Educate the patient on the necessity of fasting

What is the primary purpose of measuring serum ammonia levels?

To diagnose hepatic encephalopathy Signup and view all the answers

Which test value might indicate liver dysfunction if found elevated?

Lactic dehydrogenase of 200 IU/L Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of pancreatic juices in digestion?

To break down proteins, fats, and starches Signup and view all the answers

How do villi contribute to the digestive process?

By increasing the absorption area of the small intestine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the large intestine?

Production of bile Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lacteals found in the villi?

To absorb metabolized fats Signup and view all the answers

What are the dimensions of the large intestine compared to the small intestine?

Shorter and wider Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is manufactured by the large intestine?

Vitamin K Signup and view all the answers

Where is bile produced in the body?

In the liver Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT assessed for perforation?

Hiccups Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Capsule Endoscopy?

To visualize the small intestine Signup and view all the answers

How long are patients typically NPO before a Capsule Endoscopy?

12 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical abnormality can be detected with a barium swallow?

Hiatal hernia Signup and view all the answers

What is Gastrografin primarily used for in diagnostic tests?

As a substitute for barium in GI bleed cases Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the capsule after a Capsule Endoscopy?

It is passed with a bowel movement Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can the Bernstein test help differentiate from esophageal pain?

Angina pectoris Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient avoid 24 hours before a Capsule Endoscopy?

Smoking Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication if barium leaks from the GI tract?

It is easily absorbed by surrounding tissue Signup and view all the answers

How long does the Capsule Endoscopy examination last?

8 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of the hypothalamus in relation to eating habits?

Stimulates the individual to eat Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as influencing food intake?

Hydration levels Signup and view all the answers

What instruction should be given to a patient undergoing an upper gastrointestinal study?

Remain NPO after midnight Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a tube gastric analysis?

To determine the amount of acid produced by the stomach Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an instruction for patients preparing for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)?

Remain NPO after midnight Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of nicotine related to gastric secretions?

It stimulates the flow of gastric secretions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a nasogastric tube in a tube gastric analysis?

To aspirate gastric contents Signup and view all the answers

What can an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) be used to diagnose?

Hiatal hernias and polyps Signup and view all the answers

What is a common postoperative instruction given after an EGD?

Patients should not eat or drink until the gag reflex returns Signup and view all the answers

What can a longer fiberoptic scope (enteroscopy) be used to evaluate?

The esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the gallbladder?

To store and eject bile Signup and view all the answers

How much bile does the liver typically release each day?

500 to 1000 mL Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is NOT produced by the pancreas?

Cholecystokinin Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length of the pancreas?

12 to 15 cm Signup and view all the answers

What is stored in the gallbladder?

Bile Signup and view all the answers

Which component of pancreatic juice neutralizes gastric acid?

Sodium bicarbonate Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is responsible for detoxifying poisons in the body?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

What structures connect the pancreas to the duodenum?

Common bile duct and pancreatic duct Signup and view all the answers

Which center in the hypothalamus is involved in the regulation of eating?

Both hunger and satiation centers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Digestive System Overview

The digestive tract is a muscular tube approximately 9 meters long, extending from mouth to anus.
The tract includes: mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Peristalsis, rhythmic muscle contractions, moves food through the tract.
Accessory organs include teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and appendix.

Mouth

Teeth mechanically break down food (carbohydrates).
Salivary glands secrete saliva (primarily water with enzymes).
Saliva contains amylase, initiating carbohydrate digestion, and lysozyme, which destroys bacteria.
Taste buds detect various tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter).

Esophagus

Carries food from the mouth to the stomach through peristalsis.
No digestion occurs here.
Food is moved using rhythmic contractions in the esophagus.

Stomach

Stretches to approximately 1-1.5L capacity.
The stomach entrance is the cardiac sphincter and exit the pyloric sphincter.
Gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid begin protein digestion, soften connective tissue, kill bacteria, and activate pepsin.
Mucus protects the stomach lining.
Intrinsic factor (produced in the stomach) is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.
Food is broken down into chyme.

Small Intestine

Divided into duodenum, jejunum and ileum
Major site of digestion and absorption.
Bile (produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder) and pancreatic juices neutralize stomach acid and aid in digestion.
Millions of villi increase the surface area, facilitating absorption into the bloodstream.
The small intestine absorbs majority of processed food nutrients.

Large Intestine

Absorbs water and electrolytes from the undigested food residue.
Digested food waste becomes stool and is moved through the colon.
Bacteria in the large intestine produce vitamin K.
Feces are eliminated via the anus in the form of stool.

Accessory Organs

Liver: produces bile for fat digestion, filters toxins and blood, and produces various proteins.
Gallbladder: stores and concentrates bile.
Pancreas: produces enzymes for protein, fat, and carbohydrate digestion. Secretes bicarbonate neutralizing stomach acid.
The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas function in digestion but are not part of the digestive tract itself, they have ducts connecting the GI tract to release their chemicals into the digestive tract.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the digestive system, including its structure and functions. This quiz covers the anatomy of the digestive tract, the role of accessory organs, and the process of digestion from the mouth to the stomach. Can you identify the key components and their functions?