Jean Inman Registered Dietitian (RD) Domain 2 Practice Exam

Esophageal varices develop primarily due to portal hypertension, which is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. This condition typically arises from liver cirrhosis, where scar tissue obstructs the normal flow of blood through the liver, leading to increased pressure in the veins that carry blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver.

As the portal blood pressure rises, the body attempts to compensate by developing collateral circulation, forming new pathways for blood flow. Unfortunately, these alternative pathways can lead to the dilatation of veins in the esophagus, resulting in esophageal varices. If these varices rupture, they can cause significant internal bleeding.

The other options do not contribute to the formation of esophageal varices. A high fiber diet and a low fiber diet have no direct relationship with the development of portal hypertension or esophageal varices. Instead, they affect gastrointestinal health and can influence other conditions but do not lead to the critical vascular changes caused by portal hypertension or liver disease. Therefore, understanding the relationship between liver health and blood flow dynamics is key to recognizing the potential for complications like esophageal varices.