Family Nurse Practitioner Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is characterized by gastrin-secreting tumors called gastrinomas, which lead to excessive gastric acid production. When this condition is left untreated, the elevated levels of acid can cause significant damage primarily to the stomach and duodenum.

The excessive acid can result in conditions such as peptic ulcers, which can develop due to the damaging effects of the acid on the gastrointestinal lining. These ulcers may lead to complications like gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation if not addressed. Moreover, the increased acidity can lead to malabsorption issues, particularly affecting the duodenum, as it is the first portion of the small intestine that encounters gastric acid after food leaves the stomach.

The small intestine and large intestine are less directly affected by the excessive acidity resulting from Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. While the liver is an important organ within the digestive system, it is not primarily impacted in the context of this syndrome. Therefore, the stomach or duodenum is the correct answer as they are most vulnerable to the complications arising from uncontrolled acid secretion.