a 3 day old infant presents with abdominal distention is vomiting and has not passed any meconium stools what disease should the nurse suspect
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Nursing Care of Children 2019 B

1. What disease should be suspected in a 3-day-old infant presenting with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease should be suspected in a newborn with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium. This condition arises from a congenital absence of nerve cells in a portion of the colon, leading to severe constipation and intestinal obstruction. Pyloric stenosis typically presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting in the first few weeks of life. Intussusception classically manifests with sudden onset of colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Celiac disease may present with chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and abdominal distention but is less likely in this scenario.

2. Why are neonates predisposed to problems with thermoregulation?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Newborns have a large surface area relative to their body weight, making them more susceptible to heat loss and requiring careful thermoregulation. Choice A is incorrect because renal function is not directly related to thermoregulation. Choice B is incorrect because a flexed posture actually helps reduce heat loss by minimizing the surface area exposed to the environment. Choice D is incorrect because neonates have limited subcutaneous fat, which contributes to their susceptibility to heat loss.

3. The mother of a child with cognitive impairment calls the nurse because her son has been gagging and drooling all morning. The nurse suspects foreign body ingestion. What physiologic occurrence is most likely responsible for the presenting signs?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms of gagging and drooling suggest that the foreign object is likely lodged in the esophagus. This can cause significant discomfort and potential complications, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

4. The nurse is preparing to admit a 7-year-old child with Crohn disease. What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Crohn's disease commonly presents with pain, severe weight loss, and moderate to severe diarrhea in affected individuals. Therefore, all the manifestations listed are typically observed in patients with Crohn's disease. Choice A alone is not sufficient as weight loss and diarrhea are also prominent symptoms. Choice B is incorrect as it only mentions weight loss, omitting other common manifestations. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not cover the full range of expected clinical signs in Crohn's disease.

5. The nurse is caring for a child with Meckel diverticulum. What type of stool does the nurse expect to observe?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Currant jelly-like stools, which contain blood and mucus, are characteristic of Meckel diverticulum. This symptom occurs due to the bleeding from the ectopic gastric mucosa present in the diverticulum. Steatorrhea (choice A) is not typically associated with Meckel diverticulum. Clay-colored stools (choice B) are seen in conditions affecting the biliary system. Loose stools with undigested food (choice D) may indicate malabsorption issues, but it is not specifically linked to Meckel diverticulum.

Similar Questions

The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a toddler-age client. Which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse prior to this procedure?
Which is a consequence of the physical punishment of children, such as spanking?
A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of teaching regarding care of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) that is in remission after the administration of prednisone. The nurse realizes further teaching is required if the parents state what?
Which type of family should the nurse recognize when the paternal grandmother, the parents, and two minor children live together?
What condition is often associated with severe diarrhea?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses