Why does the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus ...

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Why does the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus cause tissue damage?
 
  a. No digestive processes occur in the esophagus.
  b. The esophagus does not have the thick gel-like mucus to protect it from acid.
  c. The esophagus secretes only bicarbonate, which is not strong enough to neutralize stomach acids.
  d. The esophagus cannot expand with extra volume, and the excessive stretching damages the muscle layer.

Question 2

Which health problem must the nurse be specifically alert for in pregnant women who are prescribed any nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)?
 
  a. Headache
  b. Lactic acidosis
  c. Diabetes mellitus
  d. Nausea and vomiting

[jasonq]

Answer to Question 1

B
The stomach is the site where protein digestion begins. Acid is secreted in the stomach to en-hance this process. Because the acids can damage the stomach lining, the stomach secretes a thick, gel-like mucus to protect it. Neither the esophagus nor the duodenum has this protection. Stomach contents that reflux up into the esophagus are highly acidic and cause inflammatory damage with ulcer formation to the lining.

Answer to Question 2

B
NRTIs increase the risk for lactic acidosis in pregnant women. This problem is not a common occurrence for other patients. Lactic acidosis is the buildup of lactic acid in muscle and other tissues when not enough oxygen is present to allow metabolism to occur normally. Signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis are muscle aches, tiredness and difficulty remaining awake, abdo-minal pain, hypotension, and a slow, irregular heartbeat.

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Gracias!

[Zebsrer]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it