Question

A nurse is caring for an infant with a diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. The nurse should check for which clinical findings that are consistent with Hirschsprung's disease? Select all that apply.

a) Constipation
b) Frequent diarrhea
c) Ribbon-like stools
d) Abdominal distension
e) Foul-smelling stools

Answer 1

In Hirschsprung's disease, the nurse should check for constipation, ribbon-like stools, and abdominal distension. These are the clinical findings consistent with the disease. Frequent diarrhea is not typical for Hirschsprung's disease, and foul-smelling stools are not a direct indication.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of nerve cells, known as ganglion cells, in a segment of the colon resulting in a lack of peristalsis or motility in that part. This disease typically causes severe constipation and can lead to abdominal distension.

Clinical findings consistent with Hirschsprung's disease include:

• Constipation: A very common sign due to the inability of the segment of the colon that lacks nerve cells to move stool through.
• Ribbon-like stools: This occurs due to the narrowing of the part of the colon that is functioning properly as it tries to push stool through the affected section.
• Abdominal distension: The buildup of stool in the intestine can cause the abdomen to swell.

Other symptoms such as foul-smelling stools may occur, but are not as directly attributed to Hirschsprung's as the others mentioned. Frequent diarrhea is not typically a sign of Hirschsprung’s disease, as the main problem is obstruction, not increased motility of the bowel.