The nurse is caring for an infant with suspected intussusception.
Which of the following findings would support a diagnosis of intussusception?
The nurse is caring for an infant with suspected intussusception.
Which of the following findings would support a diagnosis of intussusception?
A. Black, tarry stool
[4%]
B. Ribbon-like stool
[21%]
C. Red, currant jelly-like stool
[69%]
D. Greasy, foul-smelling stool
[6%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Gastrointestinal
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice C is correct. Intussusception is a medical emergency in which part of the intestine telescopes into itself, causing obstruction and reduced blood flow. This can lead to mucosal ischemia and bleeding, resulting in stool described as "red, currant jelly-like," consisting of mucus and blood.
Choice A is incorrect. Black, tarry stool (melena) is indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, such as from a peptic ulcer or esophageal varices.
Choice B is incorrect. Ribbon-like stool is characteristic of Hirschsprung disease, a congenital disorder caused by absence of ganglion cells in the colon, leading to chronic constipation and obstruction. Intussusception does not cause ribbon-like stools but instead results in bloody, mucus-filled stools.
Choice D is incorrect. Greasy, foul-smelling stool (steatorrhea) is associated with malabsorption disorders, such as cystic fibrosis or celiac disease
Learning Objective
Correlate a possible intussusception diagnosis with an anticipated assessment finding of red, currant jelly-like stools.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Intussusception
31.11 GI Obstructions & Abdominal Wall Defects
Additional Info
✓ Intussusception is a bowel obstruction commonly occurring between children between 3 and 6 years old.
✓ A proximal segment of the bowel telescopes into a more distal segment, pulling the mesentery with it, causing compression.
✓ Manifestations of intussusception include abrupt abdomen pain, vomiting, lethargy, the passage of red, currant jelly-like stools (stool mixed with blood and mucus), abdominal distention, and palpable sausage-shaped mass in the abdomen.
✓ Passage of a normal brown stool usually indicates that the intussusception has reduced itself.
✓ Nursing care includes hydrating the child, administering prescribed antibiotics and pain medications, and potentially preparing the child for surgery.
