Maternity Nursing Q 168

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A newborn’s failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth may indicate which of the following?

  

     A. Hirschsprung disease

     B. Celiac disease

     C. Intussusception

     D. Abdominal wall defect

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Hirschsprung disease

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Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth may be an indication of Hirschsprung disease, a congenital anomaly resulting in mechanical obstruction due to inadequate motility in an intestinal segment.

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Option B: Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications.

Option C: Intussusception is a process in which a segment of intestine invaginates into the adjoining intestinal lumen, causing bowel obstruction. With early diagnosis, appropriate fluid resuscitation, and therapy, the mortality rate from intussusception in children is less than 1%. If left untreated, however, this condition is uniformly fatal in 2-5 days.

Option D: Types of abdominal wall defects may include gastroschisis. Contents of the abdomen protrude out of the body through an opening in the abdominal muscles near the umbilical cord. Without a protective covering, the organs are exposed to amniotic fluid and may swell or become damaged.

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