,NUR 2063 Exam 2 Essentials of Pathophysiology Questions and
Answers | 2026/2027 | Rasmussen University
Q1. Which mechanism most directly contributes to
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
A) Increased lower-esophageal-sphincter pressure
B) Failure of the pyloric sphincter to contract
C) Inappropriate relaxation or weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter
D) Increased intestinal absorption
Correct Answer: C) Inappropriate relaxation or weakness of the lower
esophageal sphincter
Rationale: GERD occurs when gastric contents reflux into the esophagus,
commonly because the lower esophageal sphincter does not adequately
prevent retrograde movement.
Q2. Which finding is most characteristic of GERD?
A) Heartburn that may worsen after meals or when lying down
B) Right-lower-quadrant rebound tenderness
C) Profuse rectal bleeding
D) Severe flank pain
Correct Answer: A) Heartburn that may worsen after meals or when lying
down
Rationale: Reflux of acidic gastric contents irritates the esophageal mucosa
and commonly produces heartburn, especially after meals or when supine.
Q3. Which complication can develop from chronic GERD?
A) Acute appendicitis
B) Barrett esophagus
C) Nephrolithiasis
D) Pancreatic pseudocyst
Correct Answer: B) Barrett esophagus
Rationale: Chronic acid exposure can cause metaplastic changes in the
distal esophageal lining known as Barrett esophagus, which increases the
risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Q4. A client develops severe epigastric pain that radiates to the
back. Which disorder should the nurse consider?
, A) Acute pancreatitis
B) Cystitis
C) Diverticulosis
D) Hiatal hernia
Correct Answer: A) Acute pancreatitis
Rationale: Acute pancreatitis commonly causes severe upper-abdominal
pain that may radiate to the back because of inflammation of pancreatic
tissue.
Q5. Which factor commonly contributes to acute pancreatitis?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Gallstones
C) Iron deficiency
D) Urinary obstruction
Correct Answer: B) Gallstones
Rationale: Gallstones can obstruct the pancreatic or common bile duct and
trigger pancreatic inflammation. Alcohol use is another major cause.
Q6. Which pathophysiologic process is central to acute pancreatitis?
A) Premature activation of pancreatic digestive enzymes
B) Loss of all bile production
C) Failure of renal filtration
D) Excess insulin secretion
Correct Answer: A) Premature activation of pancreatic digestive enzymes
Rationale: Digestive enzymes can become activated within the pancreas
rather than the intestinal tract, resulting in pancreatic autodigestion and
inflammation.
Q7. Which condition is characterized by inflammation of the
peritoneum?
A) Hepatitis
B) Peritonitis
C) GERD
D) Diverticulosis
Correct Answer: B) Peritonitis
Answers | 2026/2027 | Rasmussen University
Q1. Which mechanism most directly contributes to
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
A) Increased lower-esophageal-sphincter pressure
B) Failure of the pyloric sphincter to contract
C) Inappropriate relaxation or weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter
D) Increased intestinal absorption
Correct Answer: C) Inappropriate relaxation or weakness of the lower
esophageal sphincter
Rationale: GERD occurs when gastric contents reflux into the esophagus,
commonly because the lower esophageal sphincter does not adequately
prevent retrograde movement.
Q2. Which finding is most characteristic of GERD?
A) Heartburn that may worsen after meals or when lying down
B) Right-lower-quadrant rebound tenderness
C) Profuse rectal bleeding
D) Severe flank pain
Correct Answer: A) Heartburn that may worsen after meals or when lying
down
Rationale: Reflux of acidic gastric contents irritates the esophageal mucosa
and commonly produces heartburn, especially after meals or when supine.
Q3. Which complication can develop from chronic GERD?
A) Acute appendicitis
B) Barrett esophagus
C) Nephrolithiasis
D) Pancreatic pseudocyst
Correct Answer: B) Barrett esophagus
Rationale: Chronic acid exposure can cause metaplastic changes in the
distal esophageal lining known as Barrett esophagus, which increases the
risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Q4. A client develops severe epigastric pain that radiates to the
back. Which disorder should the nurse consider?
, A) Acute pancreatitis
B) Cystitis
C) Diverticulosis
D) Hiatal hernia
Correct Answer: A) Acute pancreatitis
Rationale: Acute pancreatitis commonly causes severe upper-abdominal
pain that may radiate to the back because of inflammation of pancreatic
tissue.
Q5. Which factor commonly contributes to acute pancreatitis?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Gallstones
C) Iron deficiency
D) Urinary obstruction
Correct Answer: B) Gallstones
Rationale: Gallstones can obstruct the pancreatic or common bile duct and
trigger pancreatic inflammation. Alcohol use is another major cause.
Q6. Which pathophysiologic process is central to acute pancreatitis?
A) Premature activation of pancreatic digestive enzymes
B) Loss of all bile production
C) Failure of renal filtration
D) Excess insulin secretion
Correct Answer: A) Premature activation of pancreatic digestive enzymes
Rationale: Digestive enzymes can become activated within the pancreas
rather than the intestinal tract, resulting in pancreatic autodigestion and
inflammation.
Q7. Which condition is characterized by inflammation of the
peritoneum?
A) Hepatitis
B) Peritonitis
C) GERD
D) Diverticulosis
Correct Answer: B) Peritonitis
