Question

A nurse is admitting an infant who has intussusception. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

A. Abdominal pain.
B. Vomiting.
C. Constipation.
D. Bloody stools.

Answer 1

When admitting an infant with intussusception, a nurse should expect symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody stools, and vomiting. Constipation is not a primary symptom associated with intussusception.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition intussusception is a serious disorder where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine, akin to how the parts of a telescope slide into each other. This often leads to obstruction of the bowel, which can cause a variety of symptoms. When admitting an infant who has intussusception, a nurse can expect to see the following findings:

• Abdominal pain: This is often intermittent and severe, which can cause the infant to cry and draw their knees to their chest.
• Bloody stools: This may resemble red currant jelly, which is a mixture of mucus and blood.
• Vomiting: It can be a frequent symptom as the bowel obstruction hinders passage of stomach contents.

Constipation may be less typical and is not a primary symptom associated with intussusception. It's important for the nurse to monitor the infant closely for these symptoms, as intussusception can be a medical emergency.