Question

Some individuals are obsessed with using purgatives regularly as a reflection of their psychological problem. Dangers of purgative overuse include all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. Flaring up of intestinal pathology like rupture of inflamed appendix
• B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance, especially hypokalemia
• C. Steatorrhoea, malabsorption syndrome
• D. Protein build up in the body as a result of enteropathy

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question is centered around the potential dangers of the overuse of purgatives, which are substances used to induce bowel movements or loosen the stool. Understanding the physiological impacts of excessive use is crucial in identifying the exception among the provided options.

Let's evaluate each option:

1. Flaring up of intestinal pathology like rupture of inflamed appendix: This is possible because excessive use of purgatives can irritate the GI tract, potentially exacerbating underlying conditions such as appendicitis.
2. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance, especially hypokalemia: Purgatives can lead to dehydration due to increased bowel movements. This often results in an imbalance of electrolytes, particularly inducing hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
3. Steatorrhoea, malabsorption syndrome: Chronic use of purgatives can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and fats in the intestine, resulting in malabsorption syndrome and steatorrhea (excess fat in feces).
4. Protein build up in the body as a result of enteropathy: This statement is incorrect. Purgative overuse typically results in nutrient loss rather than a build-up. Enteropathy induced by purgatives would more likely lead to protein depletion, not accumulation.

Based on the evaluation, option four, "Protein build up in the body as a result of enteropathy," is the exception. Overuse of purgatives does not cause protein build-up; rather, it usually results in nutrient loss, including proteins.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Protein build up in the body as a result of enteropathy.