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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Periodic apneic spells of 10 seconds or less in a 10-day-old infant could be indicative of a potential respiratory issue, but it is not directly related to congenital heart defects. Apnea spells are more commonly associated with prematurity or other respiratory conditions.
Choice B rationale:
Fatigue during feeding is consistent with a congenital heart defect. Infants with heart defects often struggle to feed due to inadequate oxygen supply and increased cardiac workload. This can lead to tiring easily during feeding.
Choice C rationale:
Transient mottling of extremities can occur in infants due to immature blood vessel regulation, especially when they are cold. While some heart conditions might contribute to poor circulation, transient mottling is not a specific finding associated with congenital heart defects.
Choice D rationale:
Clubbing of fingers typically results from chronic hypoxia and is not likely to be seen in a 10-day-old infant. It takes time for chronic hypoxia to cause clubbing, so this finding is not consistent with the patient's age or condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Adding medication to orange juice is not recommended for digoxin administration. This can affect the drug's absorption and potency due to interactions with food components.
Choice B rationale:
Ensuring the child has had food or drink before giving the medication is crucial for digoxin administration. Food in the stomach can help mitigate gastrointestinal irritation and enhance drug absorption.
Choice C rationale:
A pulse over forty is too low for digoxin administration. The typical guideline is usually a pulse rate over 60 in pediatric patients before administering digoxin.
Choice D rationale:
Using a calibrated dropper for medication administration is not the standard method for digoxin. Precision in dosing is essential for this drug, and using a calibrated oral syringe or dropper is recommended to accurately measure the dose.
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