Which of the following is a hallmark sign of intussusception in children?
- A. Bilious vomiting
- B. "Currant jelly" stools
- C. Abdominal distention
- D. Constipation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "Currant jelly" stools, consisting of mucus and blood, are characteristic of intussusception in children. It occurs due to the telescoping of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and subsequent mucosal ischemia, causing the passage of bloody mucus in the stool. Bilious vomiting can be seen in other conditions like bowel obstruction, abdominal distention can be present but is not as specific, and constipation is less likely in the presentation of intussusception.
You may also like to solve these questions
The parents of a newborn with an umbilical hernia ask about treatment options. The nurse's response should be based on which knowledge?
- A. Surgery is recommended as soon as possible.
- B. The defect usually resolves spontaneously by 3 to 5 years of age.
- C. Aggressive treatment is necessary to reduce its high mortality.
- D. Taping the abdomen to flatten the protrusion is not recommended.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Most umbilical hernias in newborns resolve on their own by 3 to 5 years of age without the need for surgical intervention, unless complications arise. Surgery is not typically recommended for umbilical hernias in newborns due to the high rate of spontaneous resolution. Aggressive treatment is not necessary as umbilical hernias are typically benign and not associated with high mortality. Taping the abdomen is not recommended as it can cause skin irritation and does not speed up the resolution of the hernia.
What intervention is contraindicated in a suspected case of appendicitis?
- A. Enemas
- B. Palpating the abdomen
- C. Administration of antibiotics
- D. Administration of antipyretics for fever
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Enemas are contraindicated in cases of suspected appendicitis because they can increase the risk of perforation. The pressure from the enema can exacerbate inflammation and potentially lead to the rupture of the appendix. Palpating the abdomen gently is essential for diagnosing appendicitis, as it helps identify the characteristic signs like rebound tenderness. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat the infection associated with appendicitis, and antipyretics are administered to manage fever, which is a common symptom of the condition. Therefore, enemas are the intervention to avoid in suspected appendicitis cases.
One of the major differences in clinical presentation between Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is that UC is more likely to cause which clinical manifestation?
- A. Pain
- B. Rectal bleeding
- C. Perianal lesions
- D. Growth retardation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rectal bleeding is more commonly associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) than with Crohn disease (CD). While both conditions can cause abdominal pain and growth issues, bleeding is a hallmark of UC due to its superficial mucosal inflammation. Perianal lesions are more characteristic of CD, and growth retardation is typically not a direct clinical manifestation of either CD or UC.
Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?
- A. Weight
- B. Height
- C. Head circumference
- D. Mid-upper arm circumference
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.
What clinical manifestation should be the most suggestive of acute appendicitis?
- A. Rebound tenderness
- B. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding
- C. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating
- D. Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus. This type of pain is a common early sign of acute appendicitis. Rebound tenderness, choice A, is a later sign seen in the physical examination of a patient with appendicitis. Rectal bleeding, as described in choice B, is not typically associated with appendicitis. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating, as mentioned in choice C, is more indicative of peptic ulcer disease rather than appendicitis.