A nurse is assessing a newborn who has a coarctation of the aorta. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a clinical manifestation of coarctation of the aorta?

Choice A Reason:

A backward sloping appearance of the forehead is not a typical manifestation of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus usually causes an enlarged head or a bulging fontanelle due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

Choice B Reason:

Dilated scalp veins are a common sign of hydrocephalus in newborns. The increased intracranial pressure from the excess cerebrospinal fluid can cause the veins on the scalp to become more prominent.

Choice C Reason:

Hypertension is not a typical manifestation of hydrocephalus in newborns. While increased intracranial pressure can affect various bodily functions, it does not usually cause high blood pressure in infants.

Choice D Reason:

Sunken fontanelles are generally a sign of dehydration, not hydrocephalus. In hydrocephalus, the fontanelles are more likely to be bulging due to increased intracranial pressure.

Choice A Reason:

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine. It is characterized by symptoms such as swelling (edema), particularly around the eyes and in the ankles and feet, foamy urine due to excess protein, and weight gain due to fluid retention. While nephrotic syndrome can occur in children, it is less likely to be the primary suspicion in a 1-year-old presenting with acute symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools, which are more indicative of intussusception.

Choice B Reason:

Pyloric stenosis is a condition that affects infants, typically between birth and 6 months of age. It involves the thickening of the pylorus muscle, which blocks food from entering the small intestine. Symptoms include projectile vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. Although pyloric stenosis is a serious condition that requires medical attention, it is less likely to be suspected in a 1-year-old child compared to intussusception, which is more common in this age group.

Choice C Reason:

Intussusception is a serious condition in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine, causing a blockage. This condition is most common in children between 3 months and 3 years old56. Symptoms include sudden, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stools (often described as “currant jelly” stools), and a palpable lump in the abdomen. Given the age of the child and the acute nature of the symptoms, intussusception is the most likely diagnosis.