A nurse is caring for a 3-day-old newborn and suspects Hirschsprung disease. What finding best supports the nurse's concern?
The infant has passed several tar-like stools.
The infant has not gained weight and has stooled once.
The infant has not stooled.
The infant has passed hard, pellet-like stools.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Passing tar-like stools is normal for newborns within the first few days of life and does not indicate Hirschsprung disease.
B. Limited stooling and poor weight gain may suggest feeding issues but are not as indicative of Hirschsprung disease as the absence of stool.
C. The absence of stool (failure to pass meconium within 24-48 hours) is a classic sign of Hirschsprung disease, a condition where the absence of ganglion cells in the intestines leads to a blockage.
D. Passing hard, pellet-like stools may indicate constipation but is not specific to Hirschsprung disease, especially in a newborn.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Regular testing of urine for glucose is not specific to nephrotic syndrome and is more relevant for managing diabetes.
B. Weighing the child on the same scale each day is essential for monitoring fluid status and detecting early signs of fluid retention or loss, which are critical in managing nephrotic syndrome.
C. Increasing oral fluid intake may not be recommended due to the risk of fluid retention and edema, which are common in nephrotic syndrome.
D. While monitoring potassium levels is necessary when on diuretics like furosemide, a low-potassium diet is not routinely required unless hyperkalemia is present.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Tea-colored urine is more typical of glomerulonephritis rather than nephrotic syndrome.
B. A recent streptococcus infection is commonly associated with post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, not nephrotic syndrome.
C. Polyuria is not a common feature of nephrotic syndrome; rather, oliguria (decreased urine output) may occur.
D. Periorbital edema is a hallmark sign of nephrotic syndrome, resulting from significant protein loss in the urine, leading to hypoalbuminemia and fluid retention.