Gastrointestinal Disorders exam 4 test quiz with
possible solutions (100%)
1. How are GI tract disorders diagnosed-CORRECT ANSWER- upper
gastrointestinal series (UGI),ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays
2. What is achalasia-CORRECT ANSWER- a rare swallowing disorder that affects
the esophagus
3. What are the primary etiologies for achalsia-CORRECT ANSWER- decreased
ganglion cells in themyenteric plexus, alteration of vagal tone, atrophy of smooth
muscle
4. Name 2 manifestations associated with achalsia-CORRECT ANSWER-
dysphagia, spasm of esophagus after swallowing, regurgitation of undigested
food (heart burn/chestpain), weight loss, lung infections (nocturnal
aspiration).
5. How is alchalsia treated-CORRECT ANSWER- esophageal dilators,
botulinum toxin, serotonin,surgery.
6. How is alchalsia prevented-CORRECT ANSWER- avoidance of alcohol,
temperature extremes withfood/liquids, sleep with a high pillow to avoid
aspiration
1/7
, 7. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERDs)-CORRECT ANSWER- disorder
involving the reflux ofstomach contacts
8. What are the primary etiologies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERDs)-CORRECT ANSWER- •May be due to weak or incompetent lower
esophageal sphincter whichallows reflux to occur and reduced ability to clear
refluxed acid from the esophagusonce it has occurred.
• Can over time lead to esophageal mucosal injury.
9. manifestations of GERD-CORRECT ANSWER-Heartburn (sometimes severe,
occurs 30-60 minutesafter eating, made worse by bending at the waist or lying
down) and chest pain
• Belching
• Respiratory-like symptoms (aspiration)
10. Treatment for GERD-CORRECT ANSWER-Preventative: Avoiding large
meals, alcohol, and foodsthat reduce the tonicity of the lower esophageal
sphincter. Avoid body positions several hours after eating that make the problem
worse. Sleep with head elevated.Maintain a good body weight.
• Antacids, alginic acid for mild cases
•For more problematic cases: histamine-2 receptor blocking antagonist drugs, pro-
ton pump inhibitors and/or surgery may be indicated.
11. What is esophagitis-CORRECT ANSWER- inflammation of the mucosal lining
of the esophagus
12. Name 2 etiologies for esophagitis.: infections, irritation, GERDs, surgery,
hernias, ingesting toxic substances, tumors, diverticula, autoimmune
disorders
2/7
possible solutions (100%)
1. How are GI tract disorders diagnosed-CORRECT ANSWER- upper
gastrointestinal series (UGI),ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays
2. What is achalasia-CORRECT ANSWER- a rare swallowing disorder that affects
the esophagus
3. What are the primary etiologies for achalsia-CORRECT ANSWER- decreased
ganglion cells in themyenteric plexus, alteration of vagal tone, atrophy of smooth
muscle
4. Name 2 manifestations associated with achalsia-CORRECT ANSWER-
dysphagia, spasm of esophagus after swallowing, regurgitation of undigested
food (heart burn/chestpain), weight loss, lung infections (nocturnal
aspiration).
5. How is alchalsia treated-CORRECT ANSWER- esophageal dilators,
botulinum toxin, serotonin,surgery.
6. How is alchalsia prevented-CORRECT ANSWER- avoidance of alcohol,
temperature extremes withfood/liquids, sleep with a high pillow to avoid
aspiration
1/7
, 7. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERDs)-CORRECT ANSWER- disorder
involving the reflux ofstomach contacts
8. What are the primary etiologies for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERDs)-CORRECT ANSWER- •May be due to weak or incompetent lower
esophageal sphincter whichallows reflux to occur and reduced ability to clear
refluxed acid from the esophagusonce it has occurred.
• Can over time lead to esophageal mucosal injury.
9. manifestations of GERD-CORRECT ANSWER-Heartburn (sometimes severe,
occurs 30-60 minutesafter eating, made worse by bending at the waist or lying
down) and chest pain
• Belching
• Respiratory-like symptoms (aspiration)
10. Treatment for GERD-CORRECT ANSWER-Preventative: Avoiding large
meals, alcohol, and foodsthat reduce the tonicity of the lower esophageal
sphincter. Avoid body positions several hours after eating that make the problem
worse. Sleep with head elevated.Maintain a good body weight.
• Antacids, alginic acid for mild cases
•For more problematic cases: histamine-2 receptor blocking antagonist drugs, pro-
ton pump inhibitors and/or surgery may be indicated.
11. What is esophagitis-CORRECT ANSWER- inflammation of the mucosal lining
of the esophagus
12. Name 2 etiologies for esophagitis.: infections, irritation, GERDs, surgery,
hernias, ingesting toxic substances, tumors, diverticula, autoimmune
disorders
2/7
