Final answer:
When responding to the mother of an infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, the nurse should emphasize the nature of the condition, the possible causes, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When responding to the mother of an infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, the nurse should emphasize several key points. First, the nurse should explain that hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a condition that causes narrowing of the passage between the stomach and the small intestine in infants. It typically occurs in the first few weeks of life and presents with symptoms such as forceful vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration. It is important for the mother to understand that this is a medical condition that requires treatment and should not be ignored.
The nurse should also explain that the exact cause of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The nurse can reassure the mother that it is not her fault and that there was nothing she could have done differently to prevent it.
The nurse should emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The mother should be encouraged to seek medical attention if she notices any symptoms in her infant. The treatment for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis typically involves a surgical procedure called pyloromyotomy, which relieves the obstruction and allows for normal passage of food through the digestive system.