PUD (peptic ulcer disease) UPDATED
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
Peptic ulcer disease - CORRECT ANSWER - - While the gastric ulcer is caused by delayed
emptying of the stomach acid that leads to the breakdown of lining of the stomach
- PUD/ duodenal ulcer is the fast emptying of the stomach that is too quick and can cause the
breakdown of the lining of duodenum
Note: So, what happens when acid penetrates the mucosa of the stomach? - CORRECT
ANSWER - When the mucosal lining is damaged histamine is released
- and this is a catch 22 because it signals to the parietal cells to release more HCL...so you get
even more toxic acid in the stomach which continues to erode the damaged area.
Risk factor or PUD - CORRECT ANSWER - - Age: Duodenal ulcers (25-50 years), gastric
ulcers (50+ years)
- H. pylori infection (main cause of ulcers)
- Increased gastric acid & gastrin levels
- Smoking & alcohol use
- NSAIDs & steroids (reduce protective prostaglandins)
- Genetics & psychological stress (e.g., chronic anxiety, Type A personality)
Causes of PUD - CORRECT ANSWER - - H. pylori Infection - Main cause, produces urease,
creating ammonia that damages the stomach lining.
- NSAID Use (Long-term) - Blocks prostaglandins, reducing stomach protection and increasing
acid exposure.
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome - Tumor increases gastrin, leading to excessive acid production.
- Other Factors - Smoking, alcohol, and genetics increase susceptibility. Stress and certain foods
don't cause ulcers but can worsen symptoms.
, S/S - CORRECT ANSWER - Gastric Ulcers: Pain worsens after eating, weight loss, vomiting
blood
Duodenal Ulcers: Pain relieved by food, night pain, dark stools
Complications of differents diseases - CORRECT ANSWER - GI Bleeding: Pale skin,
tachycardia, vomiting blood, dark stool
Peritonitis: Severe pain, bloating, fever, tachycardia
Obstruction: Vomiting, bloating, pain
Dumping Syndrome (Post-Surgery):
Early: Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, hypotension
Late: Hypoglycemia (sweating, dizziness, weakness)
Physical Assessment - CORRECT ANSWER - Physical Assessment/Signs and Symptoms
- Epigastric tenderness and pain
- Rigid, board-like abdomen with rebound tenderness and pain = peritonitis
Psychosocial Assessment
Diagnostic Assessment
- Testing for H. pylori
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit
- Occult blood in stool
Other diagnostic assessment
- EGD
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
Peptic ulcer disease - CORRECT ANSWER - - While the gastric ulcer is caused by delayed
emptying of the stomach acid that leads to the breakdown of lining of the stomach
- PUD/ duodenal ulcer is the fast emptying of the stomach that is too quick and can cause the
breakdown of the lining of duodenum
Note: So, what happens when acid penetrates the mucosa of the stomach? - CORRECT
ANSWER - When the mucosal lining is damaged histamine is released
- and this is a catch 22 because it signals to the parietal cells to release more HCL...so you get
even more toxic acid in the stomach which continues to erode the damaged area.
Risk factor or PUD - CORRECT ANSWER - - Age: Duodenal ulcers (25-50 years), gastric
ulcers (50+ years)
- H. pylori infection (main cause of ulcers)
- Increased gastric acid & gastrin levels
- Smoking & alcohol use
- NSAIDs & steroids (reduce protective prostaglandins)
- Genetics & psychological stress (e.g., chronic anxiety, Type A personality)
Causes of PUD - CORRECT ANSWER - - H. pylori Infection - Main cause, produces urease,
creating ammonia that damages the stomach lining.
- NSAID Use (Long-term) - Blocks prostaglandins, reducing stomach protection and increasing
acid exposure.
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome - Tumor increases gastrin, leading to excessive acid production.
- Other Factors - Smoking, alcohol, and genetics increase susceptibility. Stress and certain foods
don't cause ulcers but can worsen symptoms.
, S/S - CORRECT ANSWER - Gastric Ulcers: Pain worsens after eating, weight loss, vomiting
blood
Duodenal Ulcers: Pain relieved by food, night pain, dark stools
Complications of differents diseases - CORRECT ANSWER - GI Bleeding: Pale skin,
tachycardia, vomiting blood, dark stool
Peritonitis: Severe pain, bloating, fever, tachycardia
Obstruction: Vomiting, bloating, pain
Dumping Syndrome (Post-Surgery):
Early: Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, hypotension
Late: Hypoglycemia (sweating, dizziness, weakness)
Physical Assessment - CORRECT ANSWER - Physical Assessment/Signs and Symptoms
- Epigastric tenderness and pain
- Rigid, board-like abdomen with rebound tenderness and pain = peritonitis
Psychosocial Assessment
Diagnostic Assessment
- Testing for H. pylori
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit
- Occult blood in stool
Other diagnostic assessment
- EGD
