What explanation can the nurse provide for why acid has not caused an ulcer in the small intestine?

The presence of pancreatic juice plays a crucial role in protecting the small intestine from acid damage. Pancreatic juice, which is alkaline due to its high bicarbonate content, helps to neutralize the acidic chyme that enters the small intestine from the stomach. This neutralization is essential because it raises the pH level, making the environment less acidic and more conducive for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.

In addition to neutralizing acid, pancreatic enzymes in this juice help to digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The effective action of pancreatic juice is one of the primary reasons the small intestine can withstand the effects of stomach acid without developing ulcers.

Other substances, such as bile, contribute to the digestive process, but their primary function is related to the emulsification of fats rather than direct neutralization of acid. Liver enzymes, while important for various metabolic processes, do not directly contribute to the protection against gastric acid in the small intestine. Lastly, parietal cells are responsible for producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is countered by the actions of pancreatic juice once food enters the small intestine.

This understanding emphasizes the essential role of pancreatic juice in maintaining the integrity of the small intestine in the presence of stomach acid.