A nurse is caring for a male infant who has stools mixed with blood and mucus. The nurse should recognize that which of the following diagnoses is associated with these findings?

Rationale: A. An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal. Typical findings include a painless or tender groin or scrotal bulge, which may become incarcerated or strangulated, leading to vomiting or abdominal distention. Blood and mucus in the stool are not characteristic of inguinal hernia. B. Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a congenital connection between the trachea and esophagus. Infants with TEF often present with coughing, choking, cyanosis, and excessive drooling during feeding. Stools mixed with blood and mucus are not associated with TEF. C. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a condition in which the pyloric muscle thickens, causing gastric outlet obstruction. Classic symptoms include projectile, non-bilious vomiting, dehydration, and a palpable “olive-shaped” mass in the abdomen. Blood in the stool is not typical for HPS. D. Intussusception occurs when a segment of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, causing bowel obstruction and compromised blood flow. Classic signs include intermittent abdominal pain, vomiting, and stools mixed with blood and mucus (“currant jelly” stools). This finding is highly characteristic of intussusception, making it the correct diagnosis for this infant.