Which description of stool is characteristic of intussusception?

The correct answer is choice A. Meconium ileus.

Choice A rationale:

Meconium ileus. This is the earliest recognizable clinical manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF). Meconium ileus refers to the blockage of the small intestine by thick, sticky meconium, the earliest stool of a newborn. It occurs in the first 24-48 hours of life and can be a sign of underlying cystic fibrosis.

Choice B rationale:

Foul-smelling, frothy, greasy stools. Foul-smelling, frothy, greasy stools are characteristic of malabsorption, which can occur in cystic fibrosis. However, this manifestation typically appears after meconium ileus and is not the earliest recognizable clinical sign.

Choice C rationale:

History of poor intestinal absorption. While poor intestinal absorption is a common consequence of cystic fibrosis, it is not one of the earliest recognizable clinical manifestations. Meconium ileus takes precedence as the primary early sign.

Choice D rationale:

Recurrent pneumonia and lung infections. Recurrent pneumonia and lung infections are common in later stages of cystic fibrosis due to the buildup of thick mucus in the respiratory tract. However, they are not among the earliest recognizable clinical manifestations of the disease. Meconium ileus is the earliest indicator in this context.

The correct answer is choice C. Decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.

Choice A rationale:

Anemia does not primarily result in a depressed hematopoietic system. In fact, anemia often occurs due to various factors that affect red blood cell production or lifespan. The hematopoietic system can be overactive in response to anemia, attempting to compensate for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Choice B rationale:

While some anemias may involve the presence of abnormal hemoglobin (e.g., sickle cell anemia), this is not the primary result of anemia. The primary consequence of anemia is a decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the body's tissues.

Choice C rationale:

The correct choice. Anemia leads to a decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen, is reduced in quantity or function in various types of anemia. This results in inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, potentially causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath.

Choice D rationale:

Increased blood viscosity is not a primary result of anemia. Anemia tends to reduce blood viscosity because there are fewer red blood cells and less hemoglobin present, which makes the blood more fluid and less viscous. Increased blood viscosity is more commonly associated with conditions like polycythemia, where there is an excess of red blood cells.