Pharmacology Made Easy 5.0 The
Gastrointestinal System Test Questions
and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026
| Correct & Verified
What is the primary action of proton pump inhibitors in treating GERD?
✔✔They reduce gastric acid production by blocking the enzyme responsible for acid secretion in
the stomach lining.
Why should a patient take omeprazole before meals?
✔✔It works best when taken on an empty stomach to inhibit the proton pumps before acid is
produced during digestion.
What is a common side effect of aluminum-containing antacids?
✔✔Constipation.
Why should long-term use of PPIs be monitored carefully?
✔✔Because it may increase the risk of bone fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency, and infections
like C. difficile.
1
,What is the primary therapeutic use of sucralfate?
✔✔To coat ulcers and protect them from stomach acid for healing.
Why is it important to separate sucralfate from other medications by at least 2 hours?
✔✔Because it can interfere with the absorption of many other drugs.
What is a serious adverse effect of ondansetron that should be reported immediately?
✔✔Irregular heartbeat or signs of QT prolongation.
What is the mechanism of action of ondansetron?
✔✔It blocks serotonin receptors in the brain and GI tract to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Why are antiemetics like metoclopramide avoided in patients with Parkinson's disease?
✔✔Because they block dopamine receptors and can worsen motor symptoms.
What symptom should patients report when taking metoclopramide for gastroparesis?
✔✔Involuntary muscle movements or tremors, which may indicate extrapyramidal symptoms.
2
, What is a common side effect of bismuth subsalicylate?
✔✔Black tongue or black stools, which are harmless and temporary.
Why should laxatives be avoided in patients with undiagnosed abdominal pain?
✔✔Because they may worsen a serious condition like appendicitis or bowel obstruction.
What is the primary action of bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium?
✔✔They absorb water into the stool, increasing bulk and promoting bowel movements.
Why must patients taking psyllium drink plenty of water?
✔✔To prevent intestinal obstruction or choking if the fiber expands in the throat or gut.
What is the therapeutic use of lactulose in patients with liver disease?
✔✔To reduce ammonia levels and prevent hepatic encephalopathy.
Why are H2 receptor antagonists like ranitidine used in ulcer treatment?
✔✔They reduce gastric acid secretion by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach.
3
Gastrointestinal System Test Questions
and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026
| Correct & Verified
What is the primary action of proton pump inhibitors in treating GERD?
✔✔They reduce gastric acid production by blocking the enzyme responsible for acid secretion in
the stomach lining.
Why should a patient take omeprazole before meals?
✔✔It works best when taken on an empty stomach to inhibit the proton pumps before acid is
produced during digestion.
What is a common side effect of aluminum-containing antacids?
✔✔Constipation.
Why should long-term use of PPIs be monitored carefully?
✔✔Because it may increase the risk of bone fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency, and infections
like C. difficile.
1
,What is the primary therapeutic use of sucralfate?
✔✔To coat ulcers and protect them from stomach acid for healing.
Why is it important to separate sucralfate from other medications by at least 2 hours?
✔✔Because it can interfere with the absorption of many other drugs.
What is a serious adverse effect of ondansetron that should be reported immediately?
✔✔Irregular heartbeat or signs of QT prolongation.
What is the mechanism of action of ondansetron?
✔✔It blocks serotonin receptors in the brain and GI tract to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Why are antiemetics like metoclopramide avoided in patients with Parkinson's disease?
✔✔Because they block dopamine receptors and can worsen motor symptoms.
What symptom should patients report when taking metoclopramide for gastroparesis?
✔✔Involuntary muscle movements or tremors, which may indicate extrapyramidal symptoms.
2
, What is a common side effect of bismuth subsalicylate?
✔✔Black tongue or black stools, which are harmless and temporary.
Why should laxatives be avoided in patients with undiagnosed abdominal pain?
✔✔Because they may worsen a serious condition like appendicitis or bowel obstruction.
What is the primary action of bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium?
✔✔They absorb water into the stool, increasing bulk and promoting bowel movements.
Why must patients taking psyllium drink plenty of water?
✔✔To prevent intestinal obstruction or choking if the fiber expands in the throat or gut.
What is the therapeutic use of lactulose in patients with liver disease?
✔✔To reduce ammonia levels and prevent hepatic encephalopathy.
Why are H2 receptor antagonists like ranitidine used in ulcer treatment?
✔✔They reduce gastric acid secretion by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach.
3
