A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the function of the large intestine.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?
It produces vitamin D.
It prevents the reflux of food into the esophagus.
It absorbs liquid to form stool.
It secretes enzymes to digest food.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale
The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter, forming and eliminating solid waste (stool). This absorption process is vital for
maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
Choice A rationale
The large intestine does not produce vitamin D; this occurs in the skin when exposed to sunlight. The large intestine’s primary functions are absorption and waste formation.
Choice B rationale
Preventing the reflux of food into the esophagus is the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, not the large intestine. The large intestine deals with waste processing rather than regulating esophageal function.
Choice D rationale
The secretion of digestive enzymes is a function of the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine. The large intestine does not secrete enzymes but focuses on absorbing water and electrolytes.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter, forming and eliminating solid waste (stool). This absorption process is vital for
maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
Choice A rationale
The large intestine does not produce vitamin D; this occurs in the skin when exposed to sunlight. The large intestine’s primary functions are absorption and waste formation.
Choice B rationale
Preventing the reflux of food into the esophagus is the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, not the large intestine. The large intestine deals with waste processing rather than regulating esophageal function.
Choice D rationale
The secretion of digestive enzymes is a function of the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine. The large intestine does not secrete enzymes but focuses on absorbing water and electrolytes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Aluminum-containing antacids often cause constipation due to their effect on bowel motility, not diarrhea. They work by neutralizing stomach acid but can lead to decreased bowel movements.
Choice B rationale
Magnesium-containing antacids can cause diarrhea as a side effect. They work by neutralizing stomach acid, and the excess magnesium in the intestines can cause loose stools or diarrhea.
Choice C rationale
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea by disrupting the balance of normal gut bacteria. This disruption can lead to overgrowth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, which can cause diarrhea.
Choice D rationale
Anticholinergics/antispasmodics typically cause constipation rather than diarrhea. They inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down gut motility.
Choice E rationale
Opioid narcotics can cause constipation because they slow down the movement of the intestines. They do this by binding to opioid receptors in the gut, which decreases peristalsis.