A 50-year-old is diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition is caused by:
loss of muscle tone at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
sympathetic nerve stimulation
fibrosis of the lower third of the esophagus
reverse peristalsis of the stomach
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Loss of muscle tone at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the primary cause of GERD. The LES normally prevents stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus. When its tone is reduced, acidic gastric contents can flow back, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and potential damage to the esophageal lining. Factors contributing to LES dysfunction include obesity, hiatal hernia, and certain dietary habits.
Choice B reason:
Sympathetic nerve stimulation is not a cause of GERD. The autonomic nervous system plays a role in regulating digestive functions, but GERD is primarily a mechanical issue involving the LES and is not directly related to sympathetic nervous activity.
Choice C reason:
Fibrosis of the lower third of the esophagus is typically associated with conditions such as scleroderma, which can lead to esophageal motility disorders. While fibrosis might contribute to esophageal dysfunction, it is not the primary cause of GERD.
Choice D reason:
Reverse peristalsis of the stomach is not a mechanism for GERD. GERD results from dysfunction of the LES, not from the backward movement of stomach contents due to altered motility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The option that the patient "cannot be treated" is incorrect because Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-positive patients can be treated with medications such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). There are also preventive measures and treatments available for individuals with HIV/AIDS to manage PCP and improve their health outcomes. Thus, this option is not accurate for the scenario described.
Choice B reason: The diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in an HIV-positive patient strongly indicates that the patient has progressed to AIDS. AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is diagnosed when an individual with HIV develops certain opportunistic infections or their CD4 cell count drops below a critical level. PCP is one of the most common opportunistic infections seen in AIDS patients, signifying severe immune system compromise due to the advanced stage of HIV infection. This makes option B the correct answer.
Choice C reason: The option stating that the patient "has less than 2 years to live" is incorrect because it is not a definitive prognosis for patients with PCP or AIDS. With appropriate medical treatment and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive individuals, even those diagnosed with AIDS, can live longer and healthier lives. Advances in medical care have significantly improved the life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this option is not accurate for this scenario.
Choice D reason: The option that the patient "was an intravenous drug user" is incorrect because PCP can affect any HIV-positive individual, regardless of their drug use history. While intravenous drug use is a known risk factor for HIV transmission, it is not directly related to the development of PCP. PCP is caused by a weakened immune system due to HIV progression, not the method of HIV transmission. Thus, this option does not appropriately address the diagnosis of PCP.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While decreased cerebral blood flow can contribute to various neurological conditions, it is not the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy is primarily associated with liver dysfunction rather than cerebrovascular issues. Thus, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason:
Impaired ammonia metabolism is the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy. When the liver is unable to adequately convert ammonia to urea due to chronic liver disease, ammonia accumulates in the bloodstream. This leads to toxic effects on the brain, resulting in the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, this choice accurately reflects the underlying pathophysiology of the condition.
Choice C reason:
Hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice are common in liver disease but are not the primary causes of hepatic encephalopathy. These conditions result from impaired bilirubin metabolism and do not directly lead to the neurological manifestations seen in hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D reason:
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances can occur with chronic liver disease but are not the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy. While they may exacerbate the condition, the main issue is the accumulation of ammonia due to impaired liver function. Hence, this choice is incorrect.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.