What is the inflammation of the Stomach called?

Appeared in: Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Explanation

Gastritis is the medical term for the inflammation of the stomach lining (gastric mucosa).
The term is derived from the Greek root 'gastro-', which means stomach, and the suffix '-itis', which signifies inflammation.
This inflammation can be acute (transient, with neutrophil presence) or chronic (resulting from repeated exposure to irritants).

Option A: Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers the organs within the abdomen.
Option C: Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums (gingiva). It is an oral health condition, not a gastric one.
Option D: Stomatitis refers to inflammation of the mucous membranes inside the mouth, which can include the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and palate.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical Terminology: Inflammatory Conditions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in managing patients with gastritis by educating them on dietary modifications (e.g., avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine), ensuring medication adherence (e.g., proton pump inhibitors), and monitoring for complications like gastrointestinal bleeding (melena, hematemesis).
What if? If a patient with known gastritis suddenly develops severe, sharp abdominal pain, a rigid, board-like abdomen, and signs of shock, the nurse must suspect gastric perforation. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention, not just standard gastritis care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question stem: 'inflammation' and 'Stomach'.
Recall that the medical suffix for 'inflammation' is '-itis'. This helps narrow down the possibilities, although all options end in '-itis'.
Focus on the root word for 'Stomach'. The correct medical root is 'gastro-'.
Combine the root and the suffix: 'gastro-' + '-itis' results in 'Gastritis'.
Confirm your answer by defining the other options: 'Periton-' refers to the peritoneum, 'Gingiv-' to the gums, and 'Stomat-' to the mouth. This confirms they are incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed pp. 766-768, 821-823

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 3 (515-969) p. 29-31

Practise the full Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.