Alterations of Digestive Function Exam/ Practice Exam
Questions with Correct Verified Answers – Latest
Update 2026 – Rated A+
1. A 50-year-old patient is diagnosed with gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD). What is the primary underlying cause of
this condition?
• A) Excessive production of hydrochloric acid by parietal
cells
• B) Zone of low pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter
(LES)
• C) Presence of Helicobacter pylori in the esophagus
• D) Reverse muscular peristalsis of the esophagus
Answer: B) Zone of low pressure of the lower esophageal
sphincter (LES)
Rationale: Normally, the resting tone of the LES maintains a zone
of high pressure that prevents gastroesophageal reflux. In
1
,individuals who develop GERD, this pressure tends to be lower
than normal from either transient relaxation or a weakness of the
sphincter . This selection is the only option that accurately
describes the cause of GERD .
2. What factor contributes to the development of
gastroesophageal reflux?
• A) Pyloric sphincter tonus decrease
• B) Pyloric sphincter tonus increase
• C) Inferior esophageal sphincter tonus increase
• D) Inferior esophageal sphincter tonus decrease
Answer: D) Inferior esophageal sphincter tonus decrease
Rationale: Gastroesophageal reflux, the backflow of stomach
contents into the esophagus, is normally prevented partly by the
tonus of the lower (inferior) esophageal sphincter. If tonus of that
sphincter decreases, reflux occurs . Loss of muscle tone at the
lower esophageal sphincter is the defining feature of GERD .
2
,3. A 45-year-old male complains of heartburn after eating and
difficulty swallowing. These symptoms support which diagnosis?
• A) Pyloric stenosis
• B) Gastric cancer
• C) Achalasia
• D) Hiatal hernia
Answer: D) Hiatal hernia
Rationale: Regurgitation, dysphagia, and epigastric discomfort
after eating are common in individuals with hiatal hernia. Pyloric
stenosis is manifested by projectile vomiting. Gastric cancer is not
manifested by heartburn. Achalasia is a form of functional
dysphagia caused by loss of esophageal innervation .
4. What is a common manifestation of a hiatal hernia?
• A) Diarrhea
• B) Gastroesophageal reflux
3
, • C) Belching
• D) Vomitus without bile
Answer: B) Gastroesophageal reflux
Rationale: A common manifestation of a hiatal hernia is
gastroesophageal reflux. Hiatal hernias can compromise the
function of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux of
gastric contents .
5. A serious complication of paraesophageal hiatal hernia is:
• A) Hemorrhage
• B) Strangulation
• C) Peritonitis
• D) Ascites
Answer: B) Strangulation
Rationale: Strangulation of the hernia is a major complication of
paraesophageal hiatal hernia. Neither hemorrhage, peritonitis,
4
Questions with Correct Verified Answers – Latest
Update 2026 – Rated A+
1. A 50-year-old patient is diagnosed with gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD). What is the primary underlying cause of
this condition?
• A) Excessive production of hydrochloric acid by parietal
cells
• B) Zone of low pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter
(LES)
• C) Presence of Helicobacter pylori in the esophagus
• D) Reverse muscular peristalsis of the esophagus
Answer: B) Zone of low pressure of the lower esophageal
sphincter (LES)
Rationale: Normally, the resting tone of the LES maintains a zone
of high pressure that prevents gastroesophageal reflux. In
1
,individuals who develop GERD, this pressure tends to be lower
than normal from either transient relaxation or a weakness of the
sphincter . This selection is the only option that accurately
describes the cause of GERD .
2. What factor contributes to the development of
gastroesophageal reflux?
• A) Pyloric sphincter tonus decrease
• B) Pyloric sphincter tonus increase
• C) Inferior esophageal sphincter tonus increase
• D) Inferior esophageal sphincter tonus decrease
Answer: D) Inferior esophageal sphincter tonus decrease
Rationale: Gastroesophageal reflux, the backflow of stomach
contents into the esophagus, is normally prevented partly by the
tonus of the lower (inferior) esophageal sphincter. If tonus of that
sphincter decreases, reflux occurs . Loss of muscle tone at the
lower esophageal sphincter is the defining feature of GERD .
2
,3. A 45-year-old male complains of heartburn after eating and
difficulty swallowing. These symptoms support which diagnosis?
• A) Pyloric stenosis
• B) Gastric cancer
• C) Achalasia
• D) Hiatal hernia
Answer: D) Hiatal hernia
Rationale: Regurgitation, dysphagia, and epigastric discomfort
after eating are common in individuals with hiatal hernia. Pyloric
stenosis is manifested by projectile vomiting. Gastric cancer is not
manifested by heartburn. Achalasia is a form of functional
dysphagia caused by loss of esophageal innervation .
4. What is a common manifestation of a hiatal hernia?
• A) Diarrhea
• B) Gastroesophageal reflux
3
, • C) Belching
• D) Vomitus without bile
Answer: B) Gastroesophageal reflux
Rationale: A common manifestation of a hiatal hernia is
gastroesophageal reflux. Hiatal hernias can compromise the
function of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux of
gastric contents .
5. A serious complication of paraesophageal hiatal hernia is:
• A) Hemorrhage
• B) Strangulation
• C) Peritonitis
• D) Ascites
Answer: B) Strangulation
Rationale: Strangulation of the hernia is a major complication of
paraesophageal hiatal hernia. Neither hemorrhage, peritonitis,
4
