Edapt Pathophysiology Questions Edapt
Pathophysiology Questions Week 5-8 2026:
Complete Exam Prep with Questions, Answers &
Detailed Explanations
The nurse practitioner (NP) diagnoses a client with
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The NP explains to the
client that the condition is caused by which of the following?
A. Excessive salivation and swallowing
B. Loss of muscle tone at the lower esophageal sphincter
C. Reverse peristalsis of the stomach
D. Increased production of bile in the stomach
B.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly associated
with the loss of muscle tone at the lower esophageal sphincter
(LES). The LES is a muscular ring that separates the esophagus
from the stomach, and its relaxation or incompetence can lead
to the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus,
,causing the symptoms characteristic of GERD, such as heartburn
and regurgitation.
Reverse peristalsis, where the stomach contracts in the opposite
direction of normal peristalsis, is not a typical mechanism
associated with GERD.
Excessive salivation and swallowing do not typically cause GERD.
In fact, swallowing can help clear refluxed material from the
esophagus.
GERD is more related to issues with the LES and the reflux of
acidic stomach contents into the esophagus than the increased
production of bile.
When an individual consumes a very large meal, the nurse
practitioner (NP) knows the gastric emptying rate will be
_________. When an individual receives a hypertonic gastric tube
feeding solution, the NP knows the gastric emptying rate will be
__________.
increased, decreased, or unchanged.
increased, decreased, or unchanged
Increased, decreased
Larger volumes of gastric contents generally increase gastric
pressure, stimulating peristalsis and promoting a faster rate of
gastric emptying. Hypertonic solutions, having a higher osmotic
pressure than the surrounding tissues, tend to delay gastric
emptying.
The nurse practitioner (NP) evaluates a client with complaints of a
burning sensation in the chest that often occurs after meals and
,is exacerbated when lying down. Which of the following findings
should the NP recognize as risk factors for gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD)? Select all that apply.
A. Drinks three cups of chamomile tea daily
B. Smokes 1 pack of cigarettes per day
C. Has a sliding hiatal hernia
D. Takes aspirin daily for coronary artery disease
E. Body mass index (BMI) of 32
B, C, E
Increased body mass index (BMI), especially in the overweight or
obese range, is a recognized risk factor for gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD). Increased abdominal pressure due to
excess weight can contribute to the reflux of stomach contents
into the esophagus. Smoking is a known risk factor for GERD.
Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which
contributes to the development or exacerbation of GERD
symptoms. Hiatal hernias, especially sliding hiatal hernias, are
associated with GERD. The herniation of the stomach through
the diaphragmatic opening can disrupt the normal anatomical
barrier, allowing gastric acid to flow back into the esophagus
and causing symptoms such as heartburn.
While aspirin use is associated with an increased risk of
gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers, it is not a direct risk factor
for GERD. Drinking chamomile tea is not recognized as a risk
factor for GERD. It is often considered soothing and may have
mild anti-inflammatory properties.
, Typical, Atypical, and Associated symptoms of GERD
The nurse practitioner (NP) is evaluating a client who presents
with a complaint of heartburn and regurgitation. Which
question(s) should the nurse practitioner ask the client? Select all
that apply.
A. "Do you have trouble swallowing?"
B. "Do you experience hoarseness?"
C. "Have you noticed changes in your sense of taste?"
D. "Do you experience pain in your upper abdomen after eating?"
E. "Do you have difficulty sleeping?"
A, B, D, E
Inquiring about difficulty sleeping helps assess the impact of
positional changes on symptoms, providing insights into
nighttime reflux, which is a common feature of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hoarseness can be an
atypical symptom associated with GERD. It may indicate
irritation of the larynx due to stomach acid reflux. Difficulty
swallowing (dysphagia) can be an associated symptom of GERD,
suggesting potential complications. Pain in the upper abdomen
after eating is also an associated symptom of GERD.
Changes in taste are not commonly associated with GERD
symptoms. While GERD may cause a sour or bitter taste in the
mouth due to acid reflux, the question does not specifically
address this symptom and is overly general. Focusing on