Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

Which complication is associated with rapid entry of food into the jejunum?

1. Malabsorption

2. Dumping syndrome

3. Intestinal obstruction

4. Gastroparesis

The correct answer is: Dumping syndrome

The complication associated with the rapid entry of food into the jejunum is known as dumping syndrome. This condition typically occurs after surgeries that alter the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastric bypass or other forms of bariatric surgery. When food enters the jejunum quickly, it can lead to a range of symptoms resulting from the rapid influx of hyperosmolar food into the small intestine. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dizziness. The quick movement of food can overwhelm the jejunum's ability to absorb nutrients and fluids, leading to these distressing symptoms, hence the term "dumping." In contrast, malabsorption generally refers to the inability of the body to absorb nutrients adequately over time, rather than the rapid entry of food. Intestinal obstruction involves a blockage in the intestines that prevents food from passing through, but it does not typically relate directly to the rate at which food moves from the stomach to the jejunum. Gastroparesis refers to delayed gastric emptying and is characterized by food remaining in the stomach for longer than normal, which is the opposite scenario to what is seen in dumping syndrome. Thus, the symptoms and mechanisms specific to dumping syndrome clearly highlight its connection to the rapid entry of