A child has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect the parents to report in the child's history? Select all that apply.
Ribbon-like stools.
Distended abdomen.
Chronic constipation.
Black and tarry stools.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A rationale:
Ribbon-like stools are a classic sign of Hirschsprung's disease, indicating narrowed or obstructed bowel segments due to the absence of ganglion cells in the intestine's muscular layers.
Choice B rationale:
A distended abdomen is common in Hirschsprung's disease due to the accumulation of stool and gas in the narrowed segments of the intestine.
Choice C rationale:
Chronic constipation is a result of the dysfunctional intestinal motility caused by Hirschsprung's disease. The absence of ganglion cells leads to a lack of peristalsis and difficulty passing stools.
Choice D rationale:
Black and tarry stools are indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, often caused by conditions like peptic ulcers. This finding is not directly related to Hirschsprung's disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Preventing contractures of the hips and knees is not directly related to the care of a pediatric patient with congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF primarily involves impaired cardiac function and fluid retention, not joint contractures.
Choice B rationale:
Minimizing cardiac output would be counterproductive in the care of a patient with CHF. The goal is to optimize cardiac output to meet the body's demands while managing the symptoms of CHF.
Choice C rationale:
Minimizing energy expenditure is a major goal in the care of a pediatric patient with CHF. CHF places an extra workload on the heart, and conserving energy helps prevent additional strain on the heart, allowing it to function more efficiently.
Choice D rationale:
Preventing vomiting is not a specific goal related to the care of a pediatric patient with CHF. Vomiting might be a symptom of CHF, but the primary focus is on managing cardiac function and fluid balance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement "The parent collects the specimen when the child reports itching”. is incorrect. The scotch tape test for pinworms involves placing clear tape on the perianal area in the morning to collect eggs that may have been laid during the night, not based on itching.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "The parent collects the specimen in the evening before the child goes to bed”. is incorrect. The test is most effective in the morning when the child wakes up, as this is when pinworms are most active and lay their eggs.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "The parent collects the specimen after the child has had a bowel movement”. is incorrect. The test doesn't involve collecting a specimen after a bowel movement but rather in the morning using transparent tape to catch pinworm eggs.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "The parent collects the specimen in the morning when the child awakens”. is correct. This is the correct time for the scotch tape test, as it maximizes the chance of detecting pinworm eggs laid during the night.
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