The clinic nurse reviews the record of an infant and notes that the primary health care provider (PHCP) has documented a diagnosis of suspected Hirschsprung's disease. The nurse reviews the assessment findings documented in the record, knowing that which sign most likely led the parent to seek health care for the infant?
Diarrhea
Regurgitation of feedings
Projectile vomiting
Foul-smelling ribbon-like stools
The Correct Answer is D
A. Diarrhea
Explanation: Diarrhea is not a typical sign of Hirschsprung's disease. Instead, the condition is associated with constipation due to the obstructed passage of stool.
B. Regurgitation of feedings
Explanation: Regurgitation of feedings is not a characteristic sign of Hirschsprung's disease. It may be seen in other gastrointestinal conditions, but not specifically in this disorder.
C. Projectile vomiting
Explanation: Projectile vomiting is not a typical sign of Hirschsprung's disease. It may be associated with conditions such as pyloric stenosis, but it is not a characteristic feature of Hirschsprung's disease.
D. Foul-smelling ribbon-like stools
Explanation:
Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the rectum and a portion of the colon. The lack of ganglion cells results in functional obstruction, causing stool to accumulate in the affected area. One of the hallmark signs is the presence of foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools, often described as "fecal pellets" or "pellets" due to the obstructed passage of stool.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Edema in the lower extremities:
Incorrect: Edema in the lower extremities is more characteristic of right-sided heart failure. In left-sided failure, pulmonary congestion is more prominent.
B. Ascites:
Incorrect: Ascites, or fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, is also more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure.
C. Shortness of breath:
Correct Answer: Left-sided congestive heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion, resulting in difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. This is often observed as increased work of breathing, rapid breathing, or other signs of respiratory distress in infants.
D. Hepatomegaly:
Incorrect: Hepatomegaly, or enlargement of the liver, is another manifestation more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. It is inconclusive
Explanation: A serum phenylalanine level within the normal range is considered conclusive in ruling out phenylketonuria. Inconclusive results typically occur when there are issues with the sample or testing process.
B. It is negative
Explanation:
A serum phenylalanine level of 1 mg/dL (60.5 mcmol/L) in a 2-week-old infant is within the normal range. In the context of phenylketonuria (PKU) screening, a "negative" result means that the phenylalanine levels are within the expected range, and there is no evidence of phenylketonuria.
C. It requires rescreening at age 6 weeks.
Explanation: If the initial screening result is within the normal range, rescreening at age 6 weeks may not be necessary for phenylketonuria. The timing and need for rescreening may vary based on local protocols and individual patient factors.
D. It is positive
Explanation: A positive result for phenylketonuria would indicate that the serum phenylalanine levels are elevated, suggesting a potential diagnosis of PKU. In this case, the result is negative, meaning there is no evidence of PKU.
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