Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ridged abdomen - This finding is not typically associated with Hirschsprung disease. Instead, the abdomen may appear distended or bloated due to the accumulation of stool in the colon. Ribbonlike, foul-smelling stools - This is a characteristic finding in Hirschsprung disease. Because the affected portion of the colon lacks nerve cells (ganglion cells) responsible for peristalsis, stool movement is impaired, leading to the passage of narrow, ribbonlike stools. These stools may also have a foul odor due to bacterial overgrowth in the affected area. Projectile vomiting - Projectile vomiting is not a common finding in Hirschsprung disease. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as pyloric stenosis or gastroesophageal reflux. Chronic hunger - Chronic hunger is not a typical finding in Hirschsprung disease. Instead, affected infants may experience feeding difficulties, constipation, and failure to thrive due to the obstruction of stool in the colon. They may also exhibit symptoms such as abdominal distention, vomiting, and refusal to feed.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: I will have to feed my baby formula, rather than breast milk.' - This statement indicates a misunderstanding. Breast milk is generally preferred for infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) because it is more easily digested and less likely to exacerbate reflux symptoms compared to formula. Breastfeeding mothers may be encouraged to continue breastfeeding, and formula-fed infants may benefit from specialized formulas designed to reduce reflux symptoms. 'I should move my baby into a side-lying position during sleep.' - This statement indicates a misunderstanding. Placing an infant in a side-lying position during sleep is not recommended due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead, infants with GER should be placed on their back to sleep, as recommended by safe sleep guidelines. Elevating the head of the crib or bassinet slightly may also help reduce reflux symptoms during sleep. 'My baby's formula can be thickened with oatmeal.' - This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Thickening formula with oatmeal or rice cereal can help reduce gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms in infants by making the formula heavier and less likely to reflux back into the esophagus. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure proper preparation and feeding technique. 'I will keep my baby in an upright position after feedings.' - This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Keeping the baby in an upright position after feedings can help reduce reflux symptoms by allowing gravity to keep the stomach contents down. Parents can hold the baby upright on their shoulder or in an infant seat for a period of time after feeding to minimize reflux episodes.

Correct Answer: A,D,E

Rationale: A. Wheezing: Wheezing is a common symptom associated with asthma, which can be exacerbated by gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. GER occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and inflammation of the airways. This inflammation can cause wheezing sounds during breathing, especially if the refluxed material reaches the lower respiratory tract. B. Rigid abdomen: While gastroesophageal reflux (GER) primarily affects the upper gastrointestinal tract, it typically does not cause a rigid abdomen. A rigid abdomen may indicate other underlying gastrointestinal issues such as bowel obstruction, intussusception, or peritonitis. These conditions are not typically associated with GER in infants. C. Pallor: Pallor, or paleness of the skin, is not a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. GER primarily affects the upper gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by symptoms such as spitting up, regurgitation, and irritability. Pallor may be indicative of other health issues such as anemia or circulatory problems but is not directly related to GER. D. Weight loss: Weight loss can occur in infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) if frequent vomiting leads to inadequate intake of nutrients. However, it is not a direct symptom of GER itself. Infants with GER may experience feeding difficulties, irritability, and discomfort associated with feeding, which can contribute to poor weight gain over time if not managed effectively. E. Vomiting: Vomiting is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. It occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus and sometimes out of the mouth. Infants with GER may spit up or vomit frequently after feeding or during burping, which can lead to discomfort and irritability. Vomiting may also contribute to poor weight gain and nutritional deficiencies if not managed effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Abdominal wall defect: Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth can indicate a potential obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. While an abdominal wall defect could potentially cause gastrointestinal issues, it is not specifically associated with failure to pass meconium. Celiac disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an abnormal immune response to gluten. While celiac disease can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, it is not typically associated with failure to pass meconium in the newborn period. Intussusception: Intussusception occurs when one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, causing a bowel obstruction. While intussusception is a cause of bowel obstruction in infants, it typically presents with symptoms such as colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and the passage of 'currant jelly' stool, rather than failure to pass meconium. Hirschsprung disease: Hirschsprung disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal portion of the colon, leading to functional obstruction. Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours after birth is a classic sign of Hirschsprung disease. This condition requires surgical intervention to remove the affected portion of the colon and restore normal bowel function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Maintain seizure precautions: While seizures can occur as a complication of bacterial meningitis, maintaining seizure precautions is not the nurse's priority at this stage. Prompt administration of antibiotics to address the underlying infection takes precedence over seizure precautions. Document intake and output: Documenting intake and output is an important nursing responsibility, but it is not the priority when a child is suspected of having bacterial meningitis. The immediate priority is to initiate antibiotic therapy to treat the infection and prevent further complications. Administer antibiotics when available: Administering antibiotics is the priority in the care of a child with suspected bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics are crucial for treating the infection and preventing its progression to reduce the risk of serious complications such as brain damage or death. Reduce environmental stimuli: While reducing environmental stimuli can help manage symptoms and discomfort in a child with bacterial meningitis, it is not the priority at this time. Initiating antibiotic therapy is essential to address the underlying infection, which takes precedence over environmental stimuli reduction.