NUR 2392 EXAM 2 - MODULES 4-6 QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE 2026
Gingivitis - Answers Inflammation of the gums, often with redness, swelling, and bleeding. Typically
caused by plaque buildup and poor hygiene.
Stomatitis - Answers Inflammation of the oral mucosa, frequently due to infection, medications, or
autoimmune disease. May involve painful ulcers.
Oral candidiasis (thrush) - Answers A fungal infection from Candida albicans that appears as creamy
white plaques, leaving a red base when wiped. Common in immunocompromised patients or after
antibiotic use.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Answers Chronic backflow of gastric contents into the
esophagus, causing mucosal injury.
- causes: weak or incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increased intra-abdominal pressure,
hiatal hernia, and smoking and high-fat diets.
- S/S: pyrosis (heartburn), regurgitation, dysphagia, chronic cough or hoarseness.
Esophageal Cancer - Answers Cancer of the esophagus.
- risk factors: smoking, alcohol, chronic GERD (especially Barrett's esophagus), obesity.
- S/S: dysphagia, weight loss, persistent cough.
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Answers Open sores in the mucosa of the stomach or duodenum; caused
by disruption of mucosal defense, allowing acid and pepsin to erode the epithelium.
- causes: H. pylori infection, chronic NSAID use, stress-related mucosal damage.
- two types: gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Gastric Ulcers - Answers Ulcers that form in the stomach lining; pain worsened with food.
Duodenal Ulcers - Answers Ulcers that form in the duodenum; pain relieved with food.
Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers - Answers Squamous cell carcinomas of the oral and
oropharyngeal cavities.
- risk factors: tobacco, alcohol, HPV.
- S/S: non-healing mouth sores, dysphagia, weight loss.
Gastric Cancer - Answers Cancer of the stomach often diagnosed late.
- causes: H. pylori infection, smoking, pernicious anemia, diets high in salted/smoked foods.
- S/S: early satiety, weight loss, epigastric pain, fatigue.
Malnutrition - Answers Lack of proper nutrition.
- causes: inadequate intake, malabsorption, chronic illness.
- S/S: muscular atrophy, weight loss, dry skin, brittle nails.
Obesity - Answers BMI >30.
Modifiable Risk Factors - Answers Behaviors or exposures that can be changed through education,
lifestyle change, or medical intervention.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors - Answers Risk factors that cannot be changed but guide clinical vigilance
and patient education.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) - Answers Direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and
duodenum using a flexible scope.
- Indications: Persistent heartburn, dysphagia, nausea, unexplained weight loss, suspected ulcer or
tumor.
Biopsy (during EGD) - Answers Procedure performed to obtain tissue samples for histologic
evaluation.
- Indications: To confirm H. pylori infection, diagnose Barrett's esophagus, or detect cancer or celiac
disease.
Capsule endoscopy - Answers Swallowed wireless camera captures images throughout the GI tract.
- Indications: Useful for evaluating obscure bleeding or small bowel lesions that are beyond EGD
reach.
- Patient must pass capsule; contraindicated in obstruction.
Urea breath test - Answers Patient ingests urea labeled with carbon; if H. pylori is present, CO2 is
exhaled. Avoid antibiotics, PPIs 2 weeks prior.
Stool antigen test - Answers Detects H. pylori antigens in stool. Useful for diagnosis and confirmation
of eradication.
Albumin - Answers 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 - Answers 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 - Answers Lab value that includes albumin and globulin; low in liver disease or
malnutrition.
Barium Swallow (Upper GI Series) - Answers 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 - Answers 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 - Answers 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) - Answers 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) - Answers 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) - Answers 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) - Answers 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) - Answers Medications that form a protective barrier over
ulcers. Give on an empty stomach; separate from other meds by 2 hours.
Gastritis - Answers 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 - Answers After esophageal surgery, the nasogastric (NG) tube should
__________ unless __________ by the provider.
Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) - Answers Risk factors for oral
cancer include __________, __________, and __________.
The mouth, esophagus, and stomach - Answers The primary structures of the upper GI tract include
__________, __________, and __________.
Pain, appetite changes, and bowel changes - Answers A focused health history for GI assessment
should include questions about __________, __________, and __________.
Endoscopy, barium studies, and CBC - Answers Common diagnostic tests used in GI evaluation
include __________, __________, and __________.
Melena and hematemesis - Answers Abnormal GI assessment findings may include __________ and
__________.
Periodontal disease, stomatitis, and oral candidiasis - Answers Common oral disorders include
__________, __________, and __________.
Mucous membranes of the mouth; chemotherapy, radiation, or severe drug reactions - Answers Oral
mucositis is an inflammation of __________ that may occur with __________.
Promoting mouth care and ensuring adequate nutrition and infection prevention - Answers The
nurse's role in managing oral cavity problems includes __________ and __________.
Leukoplakia - Answers White, non-scrapable patches; can be precancerous.
- causes: chronic irritation (tobacco, ill-fitting dentures, HPV)
Erythroplakia - Answers red, velvety patches with high malignant potential
Aphthous ulcers - Answers benign but painful mouth ulcers
Oral cancer - Answers Often squamous cell carcinoma; may present as a non-healing sore or bleeding
lesion.
Gingivitis - Answers Inflammation of the gums, often with redness, swelling, and bleeding. Typically
caused by plaque buildup and poor hygiene.
Stomatitis - Answers Inflammation of the oral mucosa, frequently due to infection, medications, or
autoimmune disease. May involve painful ulcers.
Oral candidiasis (thrush) - Answers A fungal infection from Candida albicans that appears as creamy
white plaques, leaving a red base when wiped. Common in immunocompromised patients or after
antibiotic use.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Answers Chronic backflow of gastric contents into the
esophagus, causing mucosal injury.
- causes: weak or incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increased intra-abdominal pressure,
hiatal hernia, and smoking and high-fat diets.
- S/S: pyrosis (heartburn), regurgitation, dysphagia, chronic cough or hoarseness.
Esophageal Cancer - Answers Cancer of the esophagus.
- risk factors: smoking, alcohol, chronic GERD (especially Barrett's esophagus), obesity.
- S/S: dysphagia, weight loss, persistent cough.
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Answers Open sores in the mucosa of the stomach or duodenum; caused
by disruption of mucosal defense, allowing acid and pepsin to erode the epithelium.
- causes: H. pylori infection, chronic NSAID use, stress-related mucosal damage.
- two types: gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Gastric Ulcers - Answers Ulcers that form in the stomach lining; pain worsened with food.
Duodenal Ulcers - Answers Ulcers that form in the duodenum; pain relieved with food.
Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers - Answers Squamous cell carcinomas of the oral and
oropharyngeal cavities.
- risk factors: tobacco, alcohol, HPV.
- S/S: non-healing mouth sores, dysphagia, weight loss.
Gastric Cancer - Answers Cancer of the stomach often diagnosed late.
- causes: H. pylori infection, smoking, pernicious anemia, diets high in salted/smoked foods.
- S/S: early satiety, weight loss, epigastric pain, fatigue.
Malnutrition - Answers Lack of proper nutrition.
- causes: inadequate intake, malabsorption, chronic illness.
- S/S: muscular atrophy, weight loss, dry skin, brittle nails.
Obesity - Answers BMI >30.
Modifiable Risk Factors - Answers Behaviors or exposures that can be changed through education,
lifestyle change, or medical intervention.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors - Answers Risk factors that cannot be changed but guide clinical vigilance
and patient education.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) - Answers Direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and
duodenum using a flexible scope.
- Indications: Persistent heartburn, dysphagia, nausea, unexplained weight loss, suspected ulcer or
tumor.
Biopsy (during EGD) - Answers Procedure performed to obtain tissue samples for histologic
evaluation.
- Indications: To confirm H. pylori infection, diagnose Barrett's esophagus, or detect cancer or celiac
disease.
Capsule endoscopy - Answers Swallowed wireless camera captures images throughout the GI tract.
- Indications: Useful for evaluating obscure bleeding or small bowel lesions that are beyond EGD
reach.
- Patient must pass capsule; contraindicated in obstruction.
Urea breath test - Answers Patient ingests urea labeled with carbon; if H. pylori is present, CO2 is
exhaled. Avoid antibiotics, PPIs 2 weeks prior.
Stool antigen test - Answers Detects H. pylori antigens in stool. Useful for diagnosis and confirmation
of eradication.
Albumin - Answers 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 - Answers 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 - Answers Lab value that includes albumin and globulin; low in liver disease or
malnutrition.
Barium Swallow (Upper GI Series) - Answers 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 - Answers 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 - Answers 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) - Answers 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) - Answers 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) - Answers 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) - Answers 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) - Answers Medications that form a protective barrier over
ulcers. Give on an empty stomach; separate from other meds by 2 hours.
Gastritis - Answers 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 - Answers After esophageal surgery, the nasogastric (NG) tube should
__________ unless __________ by the provider.
Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) - Answers Risk factors for oral
cancer include __________, __________, and __________.
The mouth, esophagus, and stomach - Answers The primary structures of the upper GI tract include
__________, __________, and __________.
Pain, appetite changes, and bowel changes - Answers A focused health history for GI assessment
should include questions about __________, __________, and __________.
Endoscopy, barium studies, and CBC - Answers Common diagnostic tests used in GI evaluation
include __________, __________, and __________.
Melena and hematemesis - Answers Abnormal GI assessment findings may include __________ and
__________.
Periodontal disease, stomatitis, and oral candidiasis - Answers Common oral disorders include
__________, __________, and __________.
Mucous membranes of the mouth; chemotherapy, radiation, or severe drug reactions - Answers Oral
mucositis is an inflammation of __________ that may occur with __________.
Promoting mouth care and ensuring adequate nutrition and infection prevention - Answers The
nurse's role in managing oral cavity problems includes __________ and __________.
Leukoplakia - Answers White, non-scrapable patches; can be precancerous.
- causes: chronic irritation (tobacco, ill-fitting dentures, HPV)
Erythroplakia - Answers red, velvety patches with high malignant potential
Aphthous ulcers - Answers benign but painful mouth ulcers
Oral cancer - Answers Often squamous cell carcinoma; may present as a non-healing sore or bleeding
lesion.
