Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

A patient who underwent an appendectomy enters the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, constipation and vomiting. What is occurring?

1. Cholecystitis

2. Obstructed bowel

3. Diverticulitis

4. Strangulated hernia

The correct answer is: Obstructed bowel

The scenario describes a patient experiencing severe abdominal pain, constipation, and vomiting after having undergone an appendectomy. These symptoms strongly suggest that there is an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, specifically indicating an obstructed bowel. In the context of an obstructed bowel, the severe abdominal pain stems from the inability of the intestinal content to move through the intestines, leading to built-up pressure and discomfort. Constipation is a common symptom in bowel obstruction, as the blockage prevents normal bowel movements. Vomiting often occurs in these cases as well, particularly because the body attempts to rid itself of the contents that cannot pass through the obstructed area. The timing and nature of the symptoms—especially following abdominal surgery like an appendectomy—support the diagnosis of an obstructed bowel. This can be caused by adhesions, which are scar tissues that can develop after surgery and can lead to kinked or obstructed loops of intestines. Recognizing this condition is critical as it may require surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction. Each of the other conditions listed could present with some overlapping symptoms but do not fit as precisely with the specifics provided in this case. Cholecystitis, for example, typically involves gallbladder inflammation, often with localized pain rather than diffuse abdominal