High-output fistula is associated with which of the following?

• A. Severe malnutrition and electrolyte disturbances
• B. Mild dehydration
• C. No morbidity
• D. Rapid spontaneous closure

Answer: (B)

High-output drainage from an intestinal fistula means large volumes of fluid and electrolytes are lost each day. That loss commonly shows up as dehydration, since the body is not able to compensate quickly for the ongoing drainage. The degree of dehydration can vary, but the presence of fluid loss is a hallmark concern with high-output fistulas, making mild dehydration the most fitting description among the options. The other choices describe outcomes that are not as typical or immediate: no morbidity and rapid spontaneous closure don’t match the expected course of a high-output fistula, and while severe malnutrition and electrolyte disturbances can occur with prolonged losses, dehydration is the more immediate and common issue clinicians monitor first.