FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What might cause an inguinal hernia to appear suddenly?

1. Stressful exercise

2. Excessive physical rest

3. Regular walking

4. Increased fluid intake

The correct answer is: Stressful exercise

An inguinal hernia can appear suddenly due to factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Stressful exercise, especially activities that involve heavy lifting or intense physical strain, can cause a sudden increase in pressure within the abdominal cavity. This pressure can overwhelm the strength of the abdominal wall, leading to a protrusion of tissue through a weak spot in the inguinal canal. This scenario typically occurs in individuals who already have a predisposition to hernias, such as those with a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall, but it can happen suddenly after intense physical activity. In contrast, the other choices do not contribute to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure in the same way. Excessive physical rest and regular walking do not exert the same level of strain that could lead to an acute hernia presentation, and increased fluid intake is unlikely to directly affect abdominal pressure significantly.