A nurse is reinforcing education to parents of an infant who has intussusception. Which of the following statements would the nurse provide to the parents?

A. "Intussusception is a congenital condition where the layers of the intestinal wall do not form properly." Intussusception is not a congenital malformation but an acquired condition where one part of the intestine telescopes into another, causing obstruction and potential ischemia. B. "Intussusception is a consequence of weakened abdominal muscles, allowing a portion of the intestine to bulge." This description is more characteristic of a hernia rather than intussusception, which involves the invagination of the intestine rather than a protrusion. C. "Intussusception results from the twisting of the intestines, causing a blockage in the passage of food." Twisting of the intestines describes volvulus, a separate condition that can also cause bowel obstruction but occurs through a different mechanism than intussusception. D. "Intussusception occurs when one segment of the intestine slides into another, which can cut off blood supply." This is the correct explanation. The telescoping of the intestine can cause bowel obstruction and compromise blood flow, leading to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and the passage of red, currant jelly-like stools.