GI System MCAT Practice Question
A 45-year-old man presents to the emergency department with acute right upper quadrant pain and fever. He reports the pain began 2 hours after eating a fatty meal. Laboratory studies show leukocytosis and mildly elevated transaminases. Ultrasound confirms acute cholecystitis with cholelithiasis. Over the next 2 days, while awaiting cholecystectomy, the patient develops loose, pale, fatty stools despite NPO status followed by a clear liquid diet. Which of the following best explains the development of steatorrhea in this patient?
Answer choices
- AObstruction of the ampulla of Vater by migrated gallstones, preventing pancreatic enzyme secretion
- BImpaired gallbladder contractility reducing the delivery of stored bile to the small intestine, limiting fat emulsificationCorrect answer
- CAcute inflammation of the gallbladder wall damaging hepatic synthesis and secretion of bile salts
- DCholecystitis-induced pancreatitis reducing pancreatic lipase synthesis and secretion
- EIncreased bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine causing deconjugation of bile salts
- FCystic duct occlusion preventing hepatic bile from reaching the duodenum
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