EXAM REVIEW AND STUDY MATERIAL
This document covers the core pathophysiology concepts assessed in NUR 2063
Exam 2, including disease mechanisms across major body systems. It summarizes
key disorders, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and physiological processes
commonly tested in mid-course assessments. Additional explanations support
understanding of system interactions and help reinforce application of concepts
in clinical scenarios.
,What is gastritis? - Correct Inflammation of the stomach lining. The lining will be red and
inflamed and irritated
What are the causes of gastritis? - Correct Ingestion of irritating substances such a alcohol,
aspirin, NSAIDS, viruses and bacteria
What is GERD? - Correct the back flow of gastric contents into the esophagus through the
lower esophageal sphincter. The inflammation occurs from the reflex of highly acidic stomach
acid that comes up.
What are the causes of GERD? - Correct Any condition or agent that alters closure of the
lower esophageal sphincter or increases in abdominal pressure, fatty food, caffeine, large
amounts of alcohol, smoking, pregnancy and anatomical features like hiatal hernia
What are complications of GERD? - Correct Barrett's esophagus where columnar tissue
replaces normal squamous tissue in the distal esophagus that carries a high risk for cancer.
Progression can lead to ulcers and scarring. Esophageal strictures, pulmonary symptoms such as
cough, asthma and laryngitis from reflux in breathing passages.
What are the signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer disease? - Correct epigastric burning pain
that is usually relieved by food or antacids (gastric ulcers present on empty stomach but can be
after food, duodenal ulcers present 2-3 hours after food and is relieved by food). Can also be life
,threatening as GI bleeding can occur without warning and cause a drop in H/H and dark tarry
stools and hematemesis.
What is the role of H.pylori in peptic ulcer disease? - Correct promotes both gastric and
duodenal ulcer formation and thrives in acidic areas. It slows down ulcer healing and can reoccur
frequently, and taking it away can help ulcers heal.
What is pseudomembranous colitis?(C.diff) - Correct acute inflammation and necrosis of
large intestine. The intestinal lining cannot absorb well.
What is the cause of pseudomembranous colitis? - Correct clostridium difficile, exposure to
long term antibiotics that off set the e.coli and c.diff balance in intestine
What are the manifestations of pseudomembranous colitis? - Correct foul smelling/bloody
stool, abdominal pain, fever, leukocytosis, sepsis, colonic perforation.
How do we treat pseudomembranous colitis? - Correct stop current antibiotics, treat ischemia
and contributing conditions, give oral antibiotics like metronidazole or vancomycin, fecal
transplant or colectomy if severe
How do we prevent the spread of pseudomembranous colitis? - Correct wearing appropriate
PPE and washing hands with soap and water only
, What are the signs and symptoms of appendicitis? - Correct Periumbilical pain, RLQ pain,
presence of a positive McBurneys point with pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, RLQ
tenderness, systemic signs of infection
How do we assess for appendicitis? - Correct McBurney's point technique when pressing on
the belly button and RLQ hip region and removing the pressure causes intense pain, indicates
positive appendicitis
What are the causes of bowel obstructions? - Correct previous surgery of the intestines with
adhesions, congenital abnormalities of the bowel, metastatic cancer of the intestinal tract or
female reproductive organs, accumulation of fluid, gas, water and electrolytes in the bowel.
What is a functional bowel obstruction? - Correct a problem with the act of the bowel
actually moving, such as things that inhibit movement from surgery, medications, opioids, low
fiber diets that can slow motility or shut off the GI system from the SNS stimulation.
What is a mechanical bowel obstruction? - Correct due to adhesions, hernia, tumors,
impacted feces, volvus or twisting of the intestines, intussusception
What are the signs and symptoms of liver disease? - Correct hepatocellular failure (jaundice,
decreased clotting, hypoalbuminemia, decreased vitamin D and K) and portal hypertension (GI
congestion due to blockage of blood, more esophageal or gastric varies, hemorrhoids, enlarged
spleen,)