A nurse is caring for a toddler who has intussusception. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Intussusception causes bowel obstruction, leading to mucus in stools, often mixed with blood (“currant jelly” stools) due to mucosal irritation and ischemia. This results from the telescoping of intestinal segments, impairing blood flow and causing tissue damage, making mucus a hallmark sign expected in a toddler with this condition. Choice B reason: Increased appetite is unlikely in intussusception, as bowel obstruction causes pain, vomiting, and reduced intestinal function, leading to anorexia. The toddler’s discomfort and nausea from ischemia and obstruction suppress appetite, making this an incorrect manifestation compared to mucus, which directly reflects the intestinal pathology. Choice C reason: Jaundice results from bilirubin accumulation, typically in liver or biliary disorders, not intussusception. This condition affects the intestines, causing obstruction and mucosal bleeding, not hepatic dysfunction. Mucus in stools is a direct consequence of intussusception, making jaundice an unrelated and incorrect expected finding. Choice D reason: Drooling is associated with upper airway or esophageal issues, like tracheoesophageal fistula, not intussusception. This intestinal condition causes abdominal symptoms like mucus in stools, not salivary pooling. Drooling is irrelevant to the pathophysiology of bowel obstruction, making it an incorrect manifestation for this toddler.