A newborn's failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth may indicate which of the following?
Abdominal wall defect
Celiac disease.
Intussusception
Hirschsprung disease
The Correct Answer is D
A. Abdominal wall defect:
Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth can indicate a potential obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. While an abdominal wall defect could potentially cause gastrointestinal issues, it is not specifically associated with failure to pass meconium.
B. Celiac disease:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an abnormal immune response to gluten. While celiac disease can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, it is not typically associated with failure to pass meconium in the newborn period.
C. Intussusception:
Intussusception occurs when one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, causing a bowel obstruction. While intussusception is a cause of bowel obstruction in infants, it typically presents with symptoms such as colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and the passage of "currant jelly" stool, rather than failure to pass meconium.
D. Hirschsprung disease:
Hirschsprung disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal portion of the colon, leading to functional obstruction. Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth is a classic sign of Hirschsprung disease. This condition requires surgical intervention to remove the affected portion of the colon and restore normal bowel function.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I give him medication so he'll be comfortable."
- This statement indicates that the parents are providing medication to ensure the child's comfort after the procedure, which is an appropriate action. It suggests that the parents are attentive to the child's needs postoperatively.
B. "I check his voiding to be sure there's no problem."
- Checking the child's voiding is important postoperatively to ensure there are no urinary retention issues or other complications related to urination. This statement reflects appropriate postoperative care and monitoring.
C. "I check his temperature."
- Monitoring the child's temperature is also a good practice postoperatively to watch for signs of infection or other complications. This statement indicates that the parents are attentive to signs of potential postoperative issues.
D. “I’ll let him decide when to return to his play activities."
- This statement suggests that the parents plan to let the child decide when to resume play activities after the surgery. However, after a surgical procedure like orchiopexy, it's important for parents to follow specific guidelines provided by healthcare providers regarding activity restrictions and return to normal activities. Allowing the child to decide may not align with the recommended postoperative care plan.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Measuring the child's chest circumference:
Measuring the chest circumference may not directly aid in the assessment of Wilm's tumor. While it's important for assessing respiratory conditions or monitoring growth, it's not a primary assessment for Wilm's tumor, which primarily affects the abdomen.
B. Palpating the child's abdomen:
This is an essential action in assessing for Wilm's tumor. The nurse should carefully palpate the abdomen to check for any masses, swelling, or tenderness, as these could be indicative of the tumor.
C. Measuring the child's occipitofrontal circumference:
This measurement pertains to the head circumference and is not directly related to the assessment of Wilm's tumor. While it's important for monitoring head growth and development, it's not a priority when assessing for Wilm's tumor.
D. Placing the child in an upright position:
Placing the child in an upright position may be necessary for certain assessments or procedures, but it's not directly related to assessing for Wilm's tumor. The focus should primarily be on abdominal assessment and palpation to detect any signs of the tumor.
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