Hirschsprung's Disease: Symptoms and Treatment

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the underlying cause of Hirschsprung's disease?

Lack of nerve cells in the colon (correct)
Excessive nerve cells in the colon
Overproduction of meconium
Inflammation of the small intestine

What is a primary consequence of Hirschsprung's disease due to the lack of nerve cells?

Decreased appetite
Inhibited peristalsis (correct)
Increased peristalsis
Normal digestion

A newborn with Hirschsprung's disease is MOST likely to exhibit which symptom?

Increased appetite
Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours (correct)
Passing meconium within the first 24 hours
Weight gain

What type of stool is commonly associated with Hirschsprung's disease?

Ribbon-like, watery stools (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common gastrointestinal symptom observed in children with Hirschsprung's disease?

Chronic constipation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical physical characteristic of a child with Hirschsprung's disease?

Protuberant abdomen (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a rectal biopsy in diagnosing Hirschsprung's disease?

To identify missing nerve cells (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment intervention for Hirschsprung's disease?

Surgery (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'NPO' mean in the context of nursing interventions for Hirschsprung's disease?

Nothing per os (nothing by mouth) (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of parental education after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease, if applicable?

Ostomy care (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hirschsprung's Disease

A congenital condition where there is a lack of nerves in the colon, prohibiting peristalsis and leading to intestinal blockage.

Meconium Stool

Failure to pass this type of stool in the first 24 hours is a symptom of Hirschsprung's Disease.

Rectal Biopsy

A diagnostic procedure involving the removal and examination of a small piece of tissue from the rectum to confirm the absence of nerve cells in Hirschsprung's disease.

Nursing Interventions for Hirschsprung's

Common interventions include NPO with NG tube, IV hydration, pain management, prophylactic antibiotics, bowel prep and ostomy education.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hirschsprung's Disease Treatment

Surgical removal of the affected portion of the colon to restore normal bowel function in Hirschsprung's disease.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Hirschsprung's Disease is a congenital condition characterized by a lack of nerves in the colon, prohibiting peristalsis and leading to intestinal blockage.