Therapeutic management of most children with Hirschsprung's disease is primarily

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.

The correct answer is choice A: Anaphylactic shock.

Choice A rationale:

Anaphylactic shock is the correct answer. Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that causes massive vasodilation, capillary leakage, and bronchoconstriction. It can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen such as certain foods, insect stings, medications, or latex. The release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators leads to systemic vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, resulting in a sudden drop in blood pressure and compromised organ perfusion.

Choice B rationale:

Cardiogenic shock is characterized by inadequate cardiac output due to severe heart dysfunction. It is typically caused by conditions like myocardial infarction, heart failure, or other cardiac issues. While allergic reactions can potentially affect the cardiovascular system, the symptoms described in the question are more indicative of anaphylactic shock.

Choice C rationale:

Neurogenic shock results from disruption of sympathetic nervous system control over blood vessel tone, often due to spinal cord injury or severe emotional distress. This leads to widespread vasodilation and a sudden drop in blood pressure. While it can cause hemodynamic instability, it doesn't specifically involve the hypersensitivity reaction and capillary leaks associated with anaphylactic shock.

Choice D rationale:

Hypovolemic shock is caused by a significant loss of blood volume or bodily fluids, leading to decreased intravascular volume and subsequent inadequate tissue perfusion. This shock type is not directly related to a hypersensitivity reaction or capillary leakage caused by allergic responses. 2 / 2