Surgical Questions and Answers

Free Medical and Surgical Questions And Answers

11. What are the pathological effects of peritonitis?

Correct answer:

(1) Widespread absorption of toxins from the large, inflamed surface. (2) The associated paralytic ileus with: (a) loss of fluid, (b) loss of electrolytes, (c) loss of protein. (3) Gross abdominal distension with elevation of the diaphragm, which produces a liability to lung collapse and pneumonia.