Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the main consequence of untreated Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?

1. Gastric atrophy

2. Severe ulceration

3. Gastric cancer development

4. Chronic gastritis

The correct answer is: Severe ulceration

The main consequence of untreated Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, characterized by gastrin-secreting tumors (gastronomas), is severe ulceration. This condition leads to excessive gastric acid production, which overwhelms the protective mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, patients are at significant risk for the development of peptic ulcers, particularly in the stomach and duodenum. Severe ulceration can lead to various complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, and significant pain, which can severely affect a person’s quality of life. The uncontrolled gastric acid secretion is a direct result of the hypersecretion of gastrin, creating a challenging environment for the gastrointestinal lining that often cannot withstand the high levels of acidity. While the other options also relate to potential issues in the gastrointestinal tract, they do not encompass the immediate and defining consequence of untreated Zollinger-Ellison syndrome as sharply as severe ulceration does. Gastric atrophy and chronic gastritis may occur in other contexts but are not the primary concern in this specific syndrome. The risk of gastric cancer development can be a long-term consideration, however, it is the acute threat of severe ulceration that stands out as the most significant consequence of untreated cases.