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

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Enhance your knowledge in General Surgery with our Sutures and Wound Repair test. Tackle multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to ensure readiness for your exam!

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What complication can arise from an incarcerated hernia?

Chronic inflammation
Acute intestinal obstruction
Sepsis
Hemorrhage

The correct answer is: Acute intestinal obstruction

An incarcerated hernia occurs when an internal organ, often part of the intestine, becomes trapped in the hernia sac and cannot be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This entrapment can lead to a number of serious complications, the most immediate of which is acute intestinal obstruction. When the intestines are obstructed, they can become distended and can lead to compromised blood flow, resulting in ischemia and potential necrosis of the bowel tissue if not promptly addressed. Acute intestinal obstruction is characterized by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to pass gas or stool, reflecting the urgency of the situation. This condition requires swift surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction and prevent further complications such as bowel perforation, which can lead to peritonitis. While chronic inflammation, sepsis, and hemorrhage are all potential concerns in the broader context of hernias and their complications, they are not the most immediate or direct complications stemming from incarceration. Incarcerated hernias pose an urgent risk of obstruction, making it the primary complication of concern in these cases.