What is a common symptom that a nurse should expect in an infant with intussusception?

What is a common symptom that a nurse should expect in an infant with intussusception?

• A. Steatorrhea
• B. Vomiting
• C. Lethargy
• D. Constipation

Answer: (B)

In an infant with intussusception, vomiting is a common symptom due to the obstruction and subsequent irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Intussusception occurs when a part of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction. This obstruction can cause food and fluids to back up in the stomach and other parts of the intestine, resulting in vomiting. Infants may exhibit signs of distress, such as intermittent crying or drawing their knees to their chest, along with the vomiting. As the condition progresses, vomiting may become bilious, indicating the presence of intestinal obstruction. Thus, recognizing vomiting as a typical symptom of intussusception is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. Other symptoms can accompany this condition, but vomiting stands out as a primary indicator for nurses to monitor.

In an infant with intussusception, vomiting is a common symptom due to the obstruction and subsequent irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Intussusception occurs when a part of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction. This obstruction can cause food and fluids to back up in the stomach and other parts of the intestine, resulting in vomiting.

Infants may exhibit signs of distress, such as intermittent crying or drawing their knees to their chest, along with the vomiting. As the condition progresses, vomiting may become bilious, indicating the presence of intestinal obstruction. Thus, recognizing vomiting as a typical symptom of intussusception is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. Other symptoms can accompany this condition, but vomiting stands out as a primary indicator for nurses to monitor.