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. Fluid intake is usually restricted to prevent fluid overload, which can worsen edema and hypertension in acute glomerulonephritis.
B. Administering antibiotics may be necessary, especially if the condition is secondary to a streptococcal infection, which is a common cause of acute glomerulonephritis.
C. Rest is typically encouraged rather than frequent ambulation, as activity can exacerbate symptoms.
D. Daily weights, not weekly, are crucial for monitoring fluid balance in acute glomerulonephritis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The Moro reflex, where the infant cries and extends both arms and legs in response to a loud noise, typically disappears by 4-6 months of age and would not be expected at 8 months.
B. The Babinski reflex, where the toes fan upward and out when the outer edge of the sole is stroked, is normal in infants and usually disappears by 12-24 months of age.
C. The tonic neck reflex (fencing reflex) typically disappears around 4-6 months of age, so it would not be expected in an 8-month-old.
D. The rooting reflex, where the infant turns their head toward the side of stimulation when the cheek is stroked, typically disappears by 3-4 months of age.