A newborn's failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth may indicate which of the following?

A. "You will need to take the entire prescription of antibiotics even if your symptoms improve."

Atopic dermatitis is not typically treated with antibiotics, as it is not caused by a bacterial infection. Therefore, this statement is not relevant and would not be included in the teaching.

B. "The doctor will remove the lesions with liquid nitrogen."

Liquid nitrogen is not typically used to remove lesions associated with atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis lesions are usually managed with topical treatments and other measures to reduce inflammation and itching. Therefore, this statement is not accurate and would not be included in the teaching.

C. "The doctor might recommend an antihistamine to help control your symptoms."

Antihistamines may be prescribed to help relieve itching associated with atopic dermatitis. Itching is a common symptom of atopic dermatitis, and antihistamines can help reduce this symptom. Therefore, this statement is relevant and would be included in the teaching.

D. "You can relieve your child's discomfort by applying warm compresses to the lesions."

Warm compresses can exacerbate itching associated with atopic dermatitis by increasing blood flow.

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.