CHAMBERL AIN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Graduate Nursing Program
NR 507 Advanced Pathophysiology
Academic Year: 2026/2027 Final Examination
Comprehensive Study Guide
Q1 Question 1
What is the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)?
A. Prevents gastric acid reflux into the esophagus
B. Promotes gastric acid secretion
C. Facilitates food passage into the stomach
D. Absorbs nutrients in the esophagus
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Prevents gastric acid reflux into the esophagus
RATIONALE
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle that prevents gastric acid from refluxing into
the esophagus, protecting the esophageal mucosa from damage.
, Q2 Question 2
What is a hiatal hernia?
A. Displacement of the stomach through the diaphragm into the thorax
B. Weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter
C. Inflammation of the esophageal lining
D. Enlargement of the esophagus
CORRECT ANSWER:
A. Displacement of the stomach through the diaphragm into the thorax
RATIONALE
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the
thoracic cavity, which can contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Q3 Question 3
What is dysphagia?
A. Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
B. Burning sensation in the chest
C. Return of stomach contents into the mouth
D. Chest pain mimicking cardiac issues
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
RATIONALE
Dysphagia is defined as difficulty swallowing, which can be caused by esophageal motility
disorders, structural abnormalities, or neurological conditions.
, Q4 Question 4
What is the pathophysiology of appendicitis?
A. Obstruction leading to inflammation and potential perforation
B. Infection of the appendix due to bacteria
C. Ischemia of the appendix without obstruction
D. Autoimmune attack on the appendix
CORRECT ANSWER:
A. Obstruction leading to inflammation and potential perforation
RATIONALE
Appendicitis typically begins with obstruction of the appendix lumen, leading to increased
pressure, inflammation, ischemia, and potential perforation if untreated.
Q5 Question 5
What is periumbilical pain in appendicitis?
A. Visceral pain from appendix distention
B. Localized pain in the right lower quadrant
C. Pain referred to the shoulder
D. Pain in the left upper quadrant
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Visceral pain from appendix distention
RATIONALE
Periumbilical pain in early appendicitis is visceral pain caused by distention of the appendix,
which later localizes to the right lower quadrant (RLQ).
, Q6 Question 6
What is leukocytosis?
A. Increased white blood cells indicating infection or inflammation
B. Decreased white blood cells
C. Increased red blood cells
D. Decreased platelet count
CORRECT ANSWER:
A. Increased white blood cells indicating infection or inflammation
RATIONALE
Leukocytosis is an elevated white blood cell count, which is a common finding in appendicitis
and other inflammatory or infectious conditions.
Q7 Question 7
What is the surgical removal of the appendix called?
A. Appendectomy
B. Cholecystectomy
C. Gastrectomy
D. Colectomy
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Appendectomy
RATIONALE
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, which is the standard treatment for
acute appendicitis.
Graduate Nursing Program
NR 507 Advanced Pathophysiology
Academic Year: 2026/2027 Final Examination
Comprehensive Study Guide
Q1 Question 1
What is the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)?
A. Prevents gastric acid reflux into the esophagus
B. Promotes gastric acid secretion
C. Facilitates food passage into the stomach
D. Absorbs nutrients in the esophagus
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Prevents gastric acid reflux into the esophagus
RATIONALE
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle that prevents gastric acid from refluxing into
the esophagus, protecting the esophageal mucosa from damage.
, Q2 Question 2
What is a hiatal hernia?
A. Displacement of the stomach through the diaphragm into the thorax
B. Weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter
C. Inflammation of the esophageal lining
D. Enlargement of the esophagus
CORRECT ANSWER:
A. Displacement of the stomach through the diaphragm into the thorax
RATIONALE
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the
thoracic cavity, which can contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Q3 Question 3
What is dysphagia?
A. Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
B. Burning sensation in the chest
C. Return of stomach contents into the mouth
D. Chest pain mimicking cardiac issues
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
RATIONALE
Dysphagia is defined as difficulty swallowing, which can be caused by esophageal motility
disorders, structural abnormalities, or neurological conditions.
, Q4 Question 4
What is the pathophysiology of appendicitis?
A. Obstruction leading to inflammation and potential perforation
B. Infection of the appendix due to bacteria
C. Ischemia of the appendix without obstruction
D. Autoimmune attack on the appendix
CORRECT ANSWER:
A. Obstruction leading to inflammation and potential perforation
RATIONALE
Appendicitis typically begins with obstruction of the appendix lumen, leading to increased
pressure, inflammation, ischemia, and potential perforation if untreated.
Q5 Question 5
What is periumbilical pain in appendicitis?
A. Visceral pain from appendix distention
B. Localized pain in the right lower quadrant
C. Pain referred to the shoulder
D. Pain in the left upper quadrant
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Visceral pain from appendix distention
RATIONALE
Periumbilical pain in early appendicitis is visceral pain caused by distention of the appendix,
which later localizes to the right lower quadrant (RLQ).
, Q6 Question 6
What is leukocytosis?
A. Increased white blood cells indicating infection or inflammation
B. Decreased white blood cells
C. Increased red blood cells
D. Decreased platelet count
CORRECT ANSWER:
A. Increased white blood cells indicating infection or inflammation
RATIONALE
Leukocytosis is an elevated white blood cell count, which is a common finding in appendicitis
and other inflammatory or infectious conditions.
Q7 Question 7
What is the surgical removal of the appendix called?
A. Appendectomy
B. Cholecystectomy
C. Gastrectomy
D. Colectomy
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Appendectomy
RATIONALE
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, which is the standard treatment for
acute appendicitis.
