Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

A hiatal hernia is characterized by the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. This anatomical change occurs at the esophageal hiatus, the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes before connecting to the stomach. In a hiatal hernia, the weakening of the diaphragm allows a portion of the stomach to bulge upward, which can lead to complications such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other gastrointestinal issues.

The other options describe conditions that are not related to the structural displacement seen in a hiatal hernia. Excessive acid production refers to a secretion issue within the stomach rather than a physical herniation. Inflammation of the gastroduodenal region pertains to conditions like gastritis or duodenitis, which do not involve the herniation of stomach tissue. Finally, constriction of the pyloric sphincter is a different anatomical issue that affects the outflow of stomach contents into the duodenum but does not involve the thoracic displacement characteristic of a hiatal hernia.