A ruptured appendix is life threatening because ________.
A) it is likely to cause severe internal bleeding
B) the large intestine will no longer be able to receive digested material from the small intestine
C) loss of the appendix's function will cause an immune deficiency in the digestive system
D) it is likely to cause massive infection of the abdominopelvic cavity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A ruptured appendix can cause the release of bacteria and fecal matter into the abdominopelvic cavity, leading to a potentially fatal condition called peritonitis. This can result in massive infection and inflammation throughout the abdomen, impacting other vital organs and leading to sepsis, shock, and even death. Internal bleeding may also occur as a result of the ruptured appendix, but this is not the primary life-threatening concern. Option A is incorrect because it only addresses one potential complication of a ruptured appendix, while Option B focuses on a non-existent problem (the large intestine does not receive digested material from the small intestine). Option C is also incorrect because the appendix does not play a major role in immune function in the digestive system.

A Ruptured Appendix Is Life Threatening Because ________