A nurse is collecting data from a 4-month-old infant who has intussusception. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Bloody stools. This is correct. A classic sign of intussusception in infants is the presence of "currant jelly" stools, which are stools that are bloody and mucous. This results from the ischemia and inflammation caused by the telescoping of the intestine. B. Periorbital edema. Periorbital edema is not a typical finding of intussusception. It is more commonly seen with conditions such as nephrotic syndrome or allergic reactions. C. Polyuria. Polyuria is not associated with intussusception. This condition typically presents with symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools, rather than abnormal urine output. D. Ascites. Ascites, or abdominal fluid accumulation, is not a characteristic finding of intussusception. While abdominal distension may occur due to the obstruction, ascites would be more suggestive of a different condition, such as liver disease or heart failure.