Physician Assistant Gastrointestinal and Nutrition 2

Question 1

A 45-year-old man presents with dysphagia to solids that has progressed to liquids over 3 months, along with a 20-lb weight loss. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Esophageal adenocarcinoma

Answer

Progressive dysphagia from solids to liquids with significant weight loss is classic for esophageal carcinoma.

Question 2

Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with prolonged nasogastric suctioning?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemic hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis

Answer

Prolonged NG suctioning removes HCl and K+, leading to hypokalemic hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis.

Question 3

A patient with Crohn's disease involving the terminal ileum is at greatest risk for deficiency of which nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12

Answer

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is exclusively absorbed in the terminal ileum; Crohn's disease in this location impairs its absorption.

Question 4

A 60-year-old woman presents with nausea, early satiety, and bloating after meals. Her blood glucose is poorly controlled. Which condition best explains her symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Gastroparesis

Answer

Gastroparesis is a common complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus and causes delayed gastric emptying with these symptoms.

Question 5

Which finding on colonoscopy is most characteristic of ulcerative colitis compared to Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

Continuous involvement starting at the rectum

Answer

Ulcerative colitis causes continuous, contiguous mucosal inflammation that always involves the rectum and extends proximally.

Physician Assistant Practice Test

Physician Assistant Practice Test

Physician Assistant Gastrointestinal and Nutrition 2