Question

Size of gastric foreign body that suggests the need for removal:

Statement 1: A) Any foreign body in the stomach should be removed.
Statement 2: B) Foreign bodies larger than 6 cm in the stomach should be considered for removal.
Statement 3: C) Only sharp foreign bodies in the stomach need removal.
Statement 4: D) The size of the gastric foreign body is not a determining factor for removal.

Answer 1

Option B. The decision to remove a gastric foreign body is influenced by several factors, including its size. Foreign bodies over 6 cm may need to be removed, but shape and symptoms are also considered. The stomach's dynamic nature and ability to stretch do not solely dictate removal decisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining whether a foreign body in the stomach needs to be removed, several factors are considered rather than a blanket rule. Statement 2, which suggests that foreign bodies larger than 6 cm in the stomach should be considered for removal, has some basis in medical practice as size can indeed play a role in whether a foreign object can pass through the digestive tract safely. However, other factors such as the shape, material, and whether the object is causing symptoms or blockage are also important.

The stomach's ability to stretch significantly when holding food and then return to its resting size is an example of its dynamic nature. However, when a foreign body is ingested, the decision to remove it is based on a risk assessment rather than the stomach's capacity to stretch. To provide the correct assistance, medical professionals will consider the mentioned factors in conjunction with stomach secretions and the potential effect on mechanical digestion and contractions.