A school nurse is screening children for scoliosis. Which assessment findings should the nurse expect to observe for scoliosis?

The correct answer is choice D. "Currant jelly" stools.

Choice A rationale:

Loose, foul-smelling stools are not characteristic of intussusception. Intussusception is a condition in which a part of the intestine invaginates into another part, causing obstruction. This obstruction often leads to "currant jelly" stools, which are composed of mucus, blood, and sloughed intestinal tissue. Loose stools might be associated with other gastrointestinal issues but are not a hallmark of intussusception.

Choice B rationale:

Ribbon-like stools are characteristic of intussusception. When a section of the intestine telescopes into another section, it can cause the stool to be squeezed into a ribbon-like shape as it passes through the narrowed portion. This description aligns with the pathophysiology of intussusception.

Choice C rationale:

Hard stools positive for guaiac indicate the presence of blood in the stool, but this finding is not specific to intussusception. Guaiac testing detects occult blood, which could be present in various gastrointestinal conditions, including bleeding ulcers or diverticulitis, and not exclusively in intussusception.

Choice D rationale:

"Currant jelly" stools are characteristic of intussusception. As mentioned earlier, these stools are the result of the obstruction and subsequent damage to the intestinal lining, leading to the presence of blood, mucus, and sloughed tissue. This description is a classic sign of intussusception and should raise suspicion for this condition.

Choice A rationale:

Increased appetite is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids are known to affect various metabolic processes, and one of the effects is an increase in appetite. This can lead to weight gain, especially when the increased calorie intake is not balanced by physical activity.

Choice B rationale:

Fever is not a typical side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, which can help in managing conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory disorders. Fever is not a direct result of corticosteroid administration.

Choice C rationale:

Weight loss is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. In fact, corticosteroids are more likely to cause weight gain due to their influence on appetite, metabolism, and fluid retention.

Choice D rationale:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) can indeed be a side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can lead to sodium and water retention, which can contribute to increased blood pressure, particularly in individuals who are already at risk for hypertension. However, among the options provided, increased appetite is a more directly associated side effect of corticosteroid therapy.