NURSING PATHOPHYSIOLOGY EXAM 3
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. VERIFIED
2025/2026.
Functions of the GI system - ANS Digestion, absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste, and
maintenance of fluid/electrolyte balance.
Constipation - Causes - ANS Low fiber intake, dehydration, inactivity, certain medications
(opioids, antacids), ignoring urge to defecate.
Constipation - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Infrequent stools, hard dry stools, abdominal
discomfort, bloating.
Constipation - Treatment - ANS Increase fiber and fluids, stool softeners, laxatives if needed,
encourage ambulation.
Diarrhea - Causes - ANS Infections, food intolerance, medications, inflammatory bowel
disease.
Diarrhea - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Frequent loose stools, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance,
abdominal cramping.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, Diarrhea - Treatment - ANS Replace fluids/electrolytes, bland diet, antidiarrheal meds if
ordered, identify cause.
GI Bleed - Causes - ANS Ulcers, varices, cancer, diverticulosis, trauma.
GI Bleed - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Hematemesis, melena, hematochezia, low BP, tachycardia,
anemia.
Gastric Ulcer - Causes - ANS H. pylori infection, NSAID use, stress.
Gastric Ulcer - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Pain shortly after eating, nausea, possible weight loss.
Duodenal Ulcer - Causes - ANS H. pylori infection, increased gastric acid secretion.
Duodenal Ulcer - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Pain relieved by eating or antacids, may cause
weight gain.
GERD - Causes - ANS Weak lower esophageal sphincter, obesity, hiatal hernia.
GERD - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, chest pain.
GERD - Complications - ANS Barrett's esophagus, esophagitis, stricture formation.
Obstruction - Causes - ANS Tumor, adhesions, hernia, volvulus, intussusception.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. VERIFIED
2025/2026.
Functions of the GI system - ANS Digestion, absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste, and
maintenance of fluid/electrolyte balance.
Constipation - Causes - ANS Low fiber intake, dehydration, inactivity, certain medications
(opioids, antacids), ignoring urge to defecate.
Constipation - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Infrequent stools, hard dry stools, abdominal
discomfort, bloating.
Constipation - Treatment - ANS Increase fiber and fluids, stool softeners, laxatives if needed,
encourage ambulation.
Diarrhea - Causes - ANS Infections, food intolerance, medications, inflammatory bowel
disease.
Diarrhea - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Frequent loose stools, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance,
abdominal cramping.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, Diarrhea - Treatment - ANS Replace fluids/electrolytes, bland diet, antidiarrheal meds if
ordered, identify cause.
GI Bleed - Causes - ANS Ulcers, varices, cancer, diverticulosis, trauma.
GI Bleed - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Hematemesis, melena, hematochezia, low BP, tachycardia,
anemia.
Gastric Ulcer - Causes - ANS H. pylori infection, NSAID use, stress.
Gastric Ulcer - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Pain shortly after eating, nausea, possible weight loss.
Duodenal Ulcer - Causes - ANS H. pylori infection, increased gastric acid secretion.
Duodenal Ulcer - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Pain relieved by eating or antacids, may cause
weight gain.
GERD - Causes - ANS Weak lower esophageal sphincter, obesity, hiatal hernia.
GERD - Signs/Symptoms - ANS Heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, chest pain.
GERD - Complications - ANS Barrett's esophagus, esophagitis, stricture formation.
Obstruction - Causes - ANS Tumor, adhesions, hernia, volvulus, intussusception.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
