A nurse is caring for a child who has Hirschsprung disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Ridged abdomen
Ribbonlike, foul-smelling stools
Projectile vomiting
Chronic hunger
The Correct Answer is B
A. Ridged abdomen - This finding is not typically associated with Hirschsprung disease. Instead, the abdomen may appear distended or bloated due to the accumulation of stool in the colon.
B. Ribbonlike, foul-smelling stools - This is a characteristic finding in Hirschsprung disease. Because the affected portion of the colon lacks nerve cells (ganglion cells) responsible for peristalsis, stool movement is impaired, leading to the passage of narrow, ribbonlike stools. These stools may also have a foul odor due to bacterial overgrowth in the affected area.
C. Projectile vomiting - Projectile vomiting is not a common finding in Hirschsprung disease. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as pyloric stenosis or gastroesophageal reflux.
D. Chronic hunger - Chronic hunger is not a typical finding in Hirschsprung disease. Instead, affected infants may experience feeding difficulties, constipation, and failure to thrive due to the obstruction of stool in the colon. They may also exhibit symptoms such as abdominal distention, vomiting, and refusal to feed.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I give him medication so he'll be comfortable."
- This statement indicates that the parents are providing medication to ensure the child's comfort after the procedure, which is an appropriate action. It suggests that the parents are attentive to the child's needs postoperatively.
B. "I check his voiding to be sure there's no problem."
- Checking the child's voiding is important postoperatively to ensure there are no urinary retention issues or other complications related to urination. This statement reflects appropriate postoperative care and monitoring.
C. "I check his temperature."
- Monitoring the child's temperature is also a good practice postoperatively to watch for signs of infection or other complications. This statement indicates that the parents are attentive to signs of potential postoperative issues.
D. “I’ll let him decide when to return to his play activities."
- This statement suggests that the parents plan to let the child decide when to resume play activities after the surgery. However, after a surgical procedure like orchiopexy, it's important for parents to follow specific guidelines provided by healthcare providers regarding activity restrictions and return to normal activities. Allowing the child to decide may not align with the recommended postoperative care plan.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Wheezing: Wheezing is a common symptom associated with asthma, which can be exacerbated by gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. GER occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and inflammation of the airways. This inflammation can cause wheezing sounds during breathing, especially if the refluxed material reaches the lower respiratory tract.
B. Rigid abdomen: While gastroesophageal reflux (GER) primarily affects the upper gastrointestinal tract, it typically does not cause a rigid abdomen. A rigid abdomen may indicate other underlying gastrointestinal issues such as bowel obstruction, intussusception, or peritonitis. These conditions are not typically associated with GER in infants.
C. Pallor: Pallor, or paleness of the skin, is not a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. GER primarily affects the upper gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by symptoms such as spitting up, regurgitation, and irritability. Pallor may be indicative of other health issues such as anemia or circulatory problems but is not directly related to GER.
D. Weight loss: Weight loss can occur in infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) if frequent vomiting leads to inadequate intake of nutrients. However, it is not a direct symptom of GER itself. Infants with GER may experience feeding difficulties, irritability, and discomfort associated with feeding, which can contribute to poor weight gain over time if not managed effectively.
E. Vomiting: Vomiting is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. It occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus and sometimes out of the mouth. Infants with GER may spit up or vomit frequently after feeding or during burping, which can lead to discomfort and irritability. Vomiting may also contribute to poor weight gain and nutritional deficiencies if not managed effectively.
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