The clinic nurse reviews the record of an infant and notes that the primary health care provider (PHCP) has documented a diagnosis of suspected Hirschsprung's disease. The nurse reviews the assessment findings documented in the record, knowing that which sign most likely led the parent to seek health care for the infant?
Diarrhea
Regurgitation of feedings
Projectile vomiting
Foul-smelling ribbon-like stools
The Correct Answer is D
A. Diarrhea
Explanation: Diarrhea is not a typical sign of Hirschsprung's disease. Instead, the condition is associated with constipation due to the obstructed passage of stool.
B. Regurgitation of feedings
Explanation: Regurgitation of feedings is not a characteristic sign of Hirschsprung's disease. It may be seen in other gastrointestinal conditions, but not specifically in this disorder.
C. Projectile vomiting
Explanation: Projectile vomiting is not a typical sign of Hirschsprung's disease. It may be associated with conditions such as pyloric stenosis, but it is not a characteristic feature of Hirschsprung's disease.
D. Foul-smelling ribbon-like stools
Explanation:
Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the rectum and a portion of the colon. The lack of ganglion cells results in functional obstruction, causing stool to accumulate in the affected area. One of the hallmark signs is the presence of foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools, often described as "fecal pellets" or "pellets" due to the obstructed passage of stool.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The child is too young to receive antibiotics: This statement doesn't address the actual reason for not prescribing antibiotics for croup, which is primarily due to its viral nature.
B. "Antibiotics are not indicated unless a bacterial infection is present."
Explanation:
Viral laryngotracheobronchitis, commonly known as croup, is typically caused by a viral infection, most commonly by the parainfluenza virus. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Therefore, unless a bacterial infection is also present, prescribing antibiotics is not necessary or beneficial in treating croup.
C. The child may be allergic to antibiotics: While antibiotic allergies are a consideration, it doesn't explain why antibiotics are not prescribed for viral illnesses like croup.
D. The child still has the maternal antibodies from birth and does not need antibiotics: Maternal antibodies can offer some protection against infections, but the primary reason for not using antibiotics in viral infections like croup is because antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A period of play in the playroom:
Incorrect: While play is generally therapeutic, simply engaging in general play may not directly address the child's distress related to the insulin injection.
B. A video game:
Incorrect: Playing a video game might serve as a distraction, but it may not specifically help the child cope with the distress of the injection in the way that hands-on play with a needleless syringe and a doll can.
C. A needleless syringe and a doll:
Correct Answer: Correct.
Explanation: Allowing the child to play with a needleless syringe and a doll provides a hands-on, interactive experience that can help the child become more familiar and comfortable with the idea of injections. This play activity allows the child to express and understand their feelings in a safe and controlled environment.
D. A story book about a child who has diabetes:
Incorrect: While a storybook can be educational and provide information, it may not directly address the child's immediate distress after an insulin injection. The hands-on play with a needleless syringe and a doll is more focused on the specific experience of receiving injections
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