Which statement from a parent of a 1-month-old infant undergoing initial surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease indicates understanding of the surgery’s goal?

Choice A rationale
Rapid pulse is a common manifestation of hypovolemic shock. When the body experiences a significant loss of fluid, such as in severe burns, the heart rate increases in an attempt to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues.
Choice B rationale
Decreased blood pressure is another typical sign of hypovolemic shock. As the body loses fluid, the volume of blood circulating through the body decreases. This drop in blood volume leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Pallor, or paleness of the skin, can occur in hypovolemic shock. This happens because the body prioritizes sending blood to vital organs like the heart and brain, which can result in less blood flow to the skin, causing it to appear pale.
Choice D rationale
A flushed face is not typically associated with hypovolemic shock. In fact, the skin may actually appear pale or cool due to reduced blood flow.

Choice A rationale
Spinal defects and sac-like protrusions are not typically associated with muscular dystrophy. They are more commonly seen in conditions like spina bifida.
Choice B rationale
Muscular weakness in the lower extremities is a common symptom of muscular dystrophy. This is due to the progressive degeneration of muscle fibers, which leads to weakness and loss of muscle mass.
Choice C rationale
Kyphosis of the lower spine can be a complication of muscular dystrophy. As the muscles supporting the spine weaken, the spine can curve abnormally, leading to kyphosis.
Choice D rationale
Purposeless, involuntary, abnormal movements are not typically associated with muscular dystrophy. These symptoms are more commonly seen in neurological conditions like Huntington’s disease or certain types of cerebral palsy.
Choice E rationale
An unsteady waddling gait is often seen in individuals with muscular dystrophy. This is due to the progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass in the lower extremities.