A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a parent of a 1-month-old infant who is to undergo the initial surgery to treat Hirschsprung’s disease. Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the parent understands the goal of the surgery?

Choice A reason: Hirschsprung’s disease involves absent ganglion cells, causing functional obstruction, not a physical “kink” in the intestine. Surgery removes the aganglionic segment, not a structural bend. This statement is incorrect, as it misrepresents the disease’s pathophysiology and surgical goal, indicating a need for further parental education. Choice B reason: Hirschsprung’s surgery often involves a temporary ostomy to bypass the aganglionic colon, allowing normal bowel function post-resection. The ostomy is typically reversed later. This statement reflects understanding that the ostomy is temporary, aligning with the surgical goal of restoring continuity, indicating correct parental comprehension. Choice C reason: Normal bowel movements may not occur immediately post-surgery, as a temporary ostomy or recovery period is common in Hirschsprung’s disease. This statement is overly optimistic, suggesting a misunderstanding of the staged surgical process, which includes temporary measures before achieving normal function, requiring further clarification. Choice D reason: Feeding tubes are not typically required in Hirschsprung’s surgery, which addresses colonic dysfunction, not feeding issues. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the procedure’s purpose, which is to restore bowel function via resection or ostomy, not nutritional support, making it incorrect and irrelevant to the surgical goal.