A nurse is caring for an adolescent who is 1 hr postoperative following an appendectomy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:

A sausage-shaped abdominal mass is a classic sign of intussusception, a condition where one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, causing obstruction. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention.

Choice B rationale:

Increased urinary output is not a characteristic finding of intussusception. Instead, the child may present with signs of dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased oral intake caused by the obstruction.

Choice C rationale:

Constipation is a symptom that can be associated with various gastrointestinal disorders but is not specific to intussusception. In intussusception, the child typically experiences severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and the classic sausage-shaped abdominal mass.

Choice D rationale:

A board-like abdomen can occur in conditions such as peritonitis, but it is not a typical finding in intussusception. The presence of a sausage-shaped abdominal mass is the hallmark sign of intussusception.

Choice A rationale:

Asking the parent if they are willing to take new parenting classes is a closed-ended question that does not encourage open communication or exploration of the parent's coping mechanisms. It does not assess the parent's current strategies or provide an opportunity for them to express their concerns.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the parent what they do when their infant is fussy encourages open dialogue and allows the parent to share their coping mechanisms. It provides insight into the parent's current strategies for managing their infant's fussiness, which can guide the nurse in providing appropriate support and education.

Choice C rationale:

Asking if parenting is overwhelming on a bad day is a general question that may not yield specific information about the parent's coping mechanisms. It does not address the parent's strategies for managing their infant's fussiness or provide a clear understanding of their coping skills.

Choice D rationale:

Asking if parenting causes stress is a closed-ended question that may yield a yes or no response without exploring the parent's coping mechanisms in detail. It does not encourage the parent to elaborate on their experiences or provide specific information about their coping strategies.