NUR 2063Essentials of Pathophysiology - Exam 2 review study guide latest update Rasmussen College

NUR 2063Essentials of Pathophysiology - Exam 2
review study guide latest update Rasmussen College
Essentials of Pathophysiology – Exam #2 Review Sheet
Covers Modules 4, 5, and 6 – Chapters 27, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41

1. Review common signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders as
a whole
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysphagia, and constipation.



2. What is gastritis? What are causes?
Inflammation of the stomach lining
Causes: Precipitated by ingestion of irritating substances
► Example: alcohol and aspirin, NSAIDs, viral, bacteria, autoimmune



3. What is GERD? What are causes to this condition? What are
complications of GERD if left untreated?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease- Backflow of gastric contents into esophagus through lower
esophageal sphincter (LES)
Inflammation caused by reflux of highly acidic material (esophagitis)
► Causes
► Any condition or agent that alters closure strength of LES or increases abdominal pressure,
fatty foods, caffeine, large amounts of alcohol, cigarette smoking, pregnancy, anatomic
features (ex: hiatal hernia)
► Complications: Barrett esophagus- Structural changes in tissue of esophagus over time (columnar
tissue replaced normal squamos epithelial) can increase risk for esophageal cancer
► Progression can lead to ulceration, fibrotic scarring
► Esophageal strictures
► Pulmonary symptoms - cough, asthma, and laryngitis - from reflux in breathing passages



4. Review signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. What is the role of

NUR 2063Essentials of Pathophysiology - Exam 2
review study guide latest update Rasmussen College

,NUR 2063Essentials of Pathophysiology - Exam 2
review study guide latest update Rasmussen College
H. pylori in this condition?
► Caused by NSAIDs, stress (glucocorticoids), smoking, genetics
► No relation b/w diet and PUD
► H. pylori plays a key role in promoting both gastric and duodenal ulcer formation




NUR 2063Essentials of Pathophysiology - Exam 2
review study guide latest update Rasmussen College

,NUR 2063Essentials of Pathophysiology - Exam 2
review study guide latest update Rasmussen College
► Thrives in acidic conditions
► Slow rate of ulcer healing
► High rate of
recurrence Clearance of H. pylori promotes ulcer
healing


► Signs and symptoms- epigastric burning that is usually relieved by the intake of food
(especially dairy products) or antacids.
► Pain of gastric ulcers typically occurs on an empty stomach but may present soon after
a meal
► Pain of duodenal ulcer classically occurs 2 to 3 hours after a meal and is relieved
by further food ingestion


► Life threatening complication: GI bleed
► Treatment: treat with antibiotic and then stomach acid with Sucralfate (Carafate)



5. What is pseudomembranous colitis? What contributes to this
condition? What are ways that it can be treated?
Antibiotic-Associated Colitis (Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis).

► Acute inflammation and necrosis of large intestine
► Caused by overgrowth of Clostridium difficile c.diff (exposure to antibiotics)
Treatment= Stop current antibiotic (if possible)

► Treat ischemia
► Treat contributing conditions
► Oral antibiotics - metronidazole (flagyl) or vancomycin
► Recurrence common
► Fecal transplant - transfer of fecal material from another healthy person to the source
patient via enema or gastric tube
► Colectomy – removal of portion of colon

6. Review examples of inflammatory bowel conditions.
NUR 2063Essentials of Pathophysiology - Exam 2
review study guide latest update Rasmussen College

, NUR 2063Essentials of Pathophysiology - Exam 2
review study guide latest update Rasmussen College
Ulcerative Colitis
► Chronic inflammatory disease of the mucosa of the rectum and colon
► Large ulcers form in mucosal layer of colon and rectum
► Hallmark clinical manifestations are bloody diarrhea and lower abdominal pain




NUR 2063Essentials of Pathophysiology - Exam 2
review study guide latest update Rasmussen College