PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is a potential consequence of untreated pyloric stenosis?

1. Hypertrophic gastritis

2. Obstruction of outflow

3. Metabolic acidosis

4. Acute pancreatitis

The correct answer is: Obstruction of outflow

The potential consequence of untreated pyloric stenosis is obstruction of outflow, which occurs as a result of the pylorus becoming hypertrophied and narrowing the passage from the stomach to the duodenum. This narrowing impedes the normal flow of gastric contents, leading to increasing difficulty in the evacuation of food from the stomach. Over time, this obstruction can result in symptoms such as projectile vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, as the stomach cannot properly empty its contents. In contrast, the other options do not directly stem from untreated pyloric stenosis. Hypertrophic gastritis is not associated with the condition but rather refers to inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Metabolic acidosis can occur in various clinical scenarios but is not the immediate consequence of untreated pyloric stenosis; rather, it can develop as a secondary issue due to prolonged vomiting and subsequent dehydration. Acute pancreatitis is a separate condition linked to other etiologies such as gallstones or alcohol use, rather than a direct result of pyloric stenosis. Thus, obstruction of outflow is the hallmark consequence of this condition.