Question

Which of the following findings would be expected in the infant with biliary atresia?

Rapid weight gain and hepatomegaly
Dark stools and poor weight gain
Abdominal distention and poor weight gain
Abdominal distention and rapid weight gain

Answer 1

In an infant with biliary atresia, expected findings include abdominal distention and poor weight gain due to the inability to effectively digest fats and excrete bilirubin, leading to jaundice and other symptoms related to liver dysfunction.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of biliary atresia, an infant would typically present with symptoms such as abdominal distention and poor weight gain. Biliary atresia is a serious liver condition characterized by obstruction of the bile ducts, which leads to a buildup of bile in the liver, causing liver damage and affecting the body's ability to digest fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. As bile flow is blocked, bilirubin, a product of red blood cell breakdown, cannot be excreted effectively, leading to jaundice.

The inability to digest fats properly due to lack of bile entering the intestines results in poor weight gain despite adequate feeding, while fluids accumulating in the abdominal cavity cause distention. Dark stools would not typically be expected; in fact, stools may appear pale or clay-colored due to reduced bile reaching the intestines. Hepatomegaly, or enlarged liver, may also occur as the disease progresses.