NUR 2392 EXAM SCRIPT FINAL PAPER 2026
FULL SOLUTION VIEW AHEAD
◉ Albumin.
Answer: Protein that has a longer half-life (2-3 weeks) and indicates
chronic protein deficiency. Low _______ levels suggest long-standing
malnutrition, often compounded by inflammation, malabsorption, or
hepatic dysfunction seen in advanced GI malignancy.
◉ Prealbumin.
Answer: Protein that has a short half-life (2-3 days), so it reflects
acute changes in nutritional status. A low _______ level suggests
recent or ongoing inadequate intake, such as might occur with rapid
tumor growth, nausea, or anorexia in GI cancer.
◉ Total protein.
Answer: Lab value that includes albumin and globulin; low in liver
disease or malnutrition.
◉ Barium Swallow (Upper GI Series).
Answer: Patient drinks radiopaque contrast; X-rays track movement
through the esophagus and stomach.
,- Indications: Hiatal hernia, esophageal varices, strictures or tumors,
GERD-related changes
- Post-test, monitor for constipation; encourage fluids; stool may
appear white.
◉ CT scan of the abdomen.
Answer: Imaging often used if perforation or mass is suspected;
detailed cross-sectional imaging for:
- Abscesses or obstructions
- Perforation
- Advanced gastric or pancreatic cancers
◉ Abdominal ultrasound.
Answer: Imaging that is not the first-line for GI disorders but may be
used to evaluate associated structures (e.g., liver, gallbladder).
◉ Antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide).
Answer: Medications that neutralize gastric acid. Give 1-3 hours
after meals and at bedtime; watch for constipation (calcium) or
diarrhea (magnesium)
◉ H2-receptor blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
, Answer: Medications that reduce acid secretion by blocking
histamine in gastric parietal cells. Administer with meals or at
bedtime; monitor for confusion in older adults.
◉ Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole).
Answer: Medications that irreversibly block proton pump activity.
Best given before meals; long-term use may increase risk for
osteoporosis, B12 deficiency.
◉ Antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, amoxicillin, metronidazole).
Answer: Medications that eradicate H. pylori. Must be taken as a
combined regimen (usually triple or quadruple therapy); educate
about side effects like GI upset or metallic taste.
◉ Cytoprotective agents (e.g., sucralfate).
Answer: Medications that form a protective barrier over ulcers. Give
on an empty stomach; separate from other meds by 2 hours.
◉ Gastritis.
Answer: Inflammation of the gastric or stomach mucosa.
Characterized by epigastric pain, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, loss of
appetite, hematemesis, melena; pain may worsen with food intake.
◉ Not be manipulated; directed.
FULL SOLUTION VIEW AHEAD
◉ Albumin.
Answer: Protein that has a longer half-life (2-3 weeks) and indicates
chronic protein deficiency. Low _______ levels suggest long-standing
malnutrition, often compounded by inflammation, malabsorption, or
hepatic dysfunction seen in advanced GI malignancy.
◉ Prealbumin.
Answer: Protein that has a short half-life (2-3 days), so it reflects
acute changes in nutritional status. A low _______ level suggests
recent or ongoing inadequate intake, such as might occur with rapid
tumor growth, nausea, or anorexia in GI cancer.
◉ Total protein.
Answer: Lab value that includes albumin and globulin; low in liver
disease or malnutrition.
◉ Barium Swallow (Upper GI Series).
Answer: Patient drinks radiopaque contrast; X-rays track movement
through the esophagus and stomach.
,- Indications: Hiatal hernia, esophageal varices, strictures or tumors,
GERD-related changes
- Post-test, monitor for constipation; encourage fluids; stool may
appear white.
◉ CT scan of the abdomen.
Answer: Imaging often used if perforation or mass is suspected;
detailed cross-sectional imaging for:
- Abscesses or obstructions
- Perforation
- Advanced gastric or pancreatic cancers
◉ Abdominal ultrasound.
Answer: Imaging that is not the first-line for GI disorders but may be
used to evaluate associated structures (e.g., liver, gallbladder).
◉ Antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide).
Answer: Medications that neutralize gastric acid. Give 1-3 hours
after meals and at bedtime; watch for constipation (calcium) or
diarrhea (magnesium)
◉ H2-receptor blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
, Answer: Medications that reduce acid secretion by blocking
histamine in gastric parietal cells. Administer with meals or at
bedtime; monitor for confusion in older adults.
◉ Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole).
Answer: Medications that irreversibly block proton pump activity.
Best given before meals; long-term use may increase risk for
osteoporosis, B12 deficiency.
◉ Antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, amoxicillin, metronidazole).
Answer: Medications that eradicate H. pylori. Must be taken as a
combined regimen (usually triple or quadruple therapy); educate
about side effects like GI upset or metallic taste.
◉ Cytoprotective agents (e.g., sucralfate).
Answer: Medications that form a protective barrier over ulcers. Give
on an empty stomach; separate from other meds by 2 hours.
◉ Gastritis.
Answer: Inflammation of the gastric or stomach mucosa.
Characterized by epigastric pain, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, loss of
appetite, hematemesis, melena; pain may worsen with food intake.
◉ Not be manipulated; directed.
