Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions Related

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A mother brings her 5-week-old infant to the health care clinic and tells the nurse that the child has been vomiting after meals. The mother reports that the vomiting is becoming more frequent and forceful. The nurse suspects pyloric stenosis and asks the mother which assessment question to elicit data specific to this condition?

  • A. Are the stools ribbon-like, and is the infant eating poorly?
  • B. Does the infant suddenly become pale, begin to cry, and draw the legs up to the chest?
  • C. Does the vomit contain sour, undigested food without bile, and is the infant constipated?
  • D. Does the infant cry loudly and continuously during the evening hours but nurses or takes formula well?
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Vomiting undigested food that is not bile stained and constipation are classic symptoms of pyloric stenosis. Stools that are ribbon-like and a child who is eating poorly are signs of congenital megacolon (Hirschsprung's disease). An infant who suddenly becomes pale, cries out, and draws the legs up to the chest is demonstrating physical signs of intussusception. Crying during the evening hours, appearing to be in pain, eating well, and gaining weight are clinical manifestations of colic.