A nurse is caring for a child diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease.
Which of the following should the nurse include in the education of the child's parents? (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A rationale

Frequent enemas are sometimes used in the management of Hirschsprung's disease, but their primary purpose is to empty the bowel of accumulated stool, not to stimulate bowel movements. The disease is characterized by an absence of ganglion cells, which prevents normal peristalsis, making stimulation ineffective.

Choice B rationale

Avoiding medications that can cause constipation is crucial for children with Hirschsprung's disease. Since their colon lacks the necessary ganglion cells for normal peristalsis, any further slowing of bowel transit due to medication can exacerbate fecal impaction and increase the risk of enterocolitis.

Choice C rationale

Maintaining a high-fiber diet is generally contraindicated in Hirschsprung's disease. High-fiber diets increase stool bulk, which can worsen constipation and impaction in a colon that is unable to propel stool effectively due to the absence of ganglion cells in the affected segment.

Choice D rationale

There is no specific evidence or recommendation for strict adherence to a low-protein diet in the management of Hirschsprung's disease. Dietary interventions primarily focus on managing constipation and preventing enterocolitis, rather than protein restriction, which can impact growth and development.

Choice E rationale

Daily laxative use is generally not recommended as a primary long-term management strategy for Hirschsprung's disease. While laxatives might provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying physiological defect and can lead to dependency or electrolyte imbalances. Surgical correction is the definitive treatment.

Choice F rationale

Surgical intervention is the definitive treatment for Hirschsprung's disease. This involves removing the aganglionic segment of the bowel, allowing for normal peristalsis to be restored. Without surgery, the child will continue to experience severe constipation, impaction, and potential life-threatening complications like enterocolitis.

Choice G rationale

While complications like enterocolitis in Hirschsprung's disease may necessitate emergency department visits, the goal of management is to minimize these occurrences through appropriate medical and surgical interventions. Frequent visits for routine bowel management indicate suboptimal long-term care, not a planned approach.