Which assessment finding would the nurse expect in an infant with Hirschsprung's disease?
Constipation with foul-smelling, ribbon-like stool.
"Currant jelly" stool.
Passage of foul-smelling, fatty stools.
Mucoid, bloody diarrhea.
The Correct Answer is A
A. This is the correct answer. Hirschsprung's disease causes a lack of nerve cells in the colon, leading to difficulty with bowel movement. The result is constipation and the passage of small, ribbon-like stools due to the narrowed areas of the colon. The stool can also be foul-smelling.
B. "Currant jelly" stool is typically associated with intussusception, not Hirschsprung's disease. This stool appears red and mucus-like and suggests a bowel obstruction or infection.
C. Foul-smelling, fatty stools (steatorrhea) are characteristic of malabsorption disorders like cystic fibrosis, not Hirschsprung's disease.
D. Mucoid, bloody diarrhea is more common in conditions like infectious colitis or inflammatory bowel disease, not Hirschsprung's disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Ensure the child is placed on droplet precautions is the priority because bacterial meningitis is highly contagious. Droplet precautions help prevent the spread of the infection to others in the hospital.
B. Encouraging the child to drink plenty of fluids is not the priority in the acute phase of meningitis, as increased fluid intake may not be appropriate, especially if there is elevated intracranial pressure or vomiting. Fluid management should be carefully monitored by the healthcare team.
C. Administering intravenous antibiotics is crucial because bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications and reduce mortality.
D. Providing comfort measures such as dimming the lights is important because the child may be sensitive to light, noise, and stimuli. A calm, quiet environment can help reduce discomfort and manage symptoms like headache and photophobia.
E. Preparing the child for a CT scan of the head might be indicated if there are signs of increased intracranial pressure, but it is not the immediate priority. Initial treatment with antibiotics and managing the environment are higher priorities.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer antipyretic therapy is appropriate to help reduce fever, but it is not the first priority. The child’s vital signs indicate a high fever and signs of possible meningitis, and intervention to prevent further complications or the spread of infection should take precedence.
B. Place the child in a lateral Sims position is unnecessary in this case. A lateral Sims position is typically used to prevent aspiration during vomiting, but it is not the priority for this child. The focus should be on infection control and stabilizing the child’s condition.
C. Place the child on droplet precautions is the correct priority. The child is showing signs of possible bacterial meningitis, which is a highly contagious infection. Droplet precautions are necessary to prevent transmission of the infection to other individuals.
D. Reduce all environmental stimuli may be helpful for a child with a neurological condition, but it is not the first priority in this case. The priority is preventing the spread of infection while further stabilizing the child’s condition.
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