The nurse is assessing an infant with intussusception. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.

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11ecbb05_caa8_98f0_b433_574cb33cc78e_MD0009_00 Intussusception is an obstructive gastrointestinal disorder caused when a segment of the bowel slides, or telescopes, into another section. This typically occurs in infants and children age <6. Once the bowel telescopes in, pressure increases within the bowel, causing ischemia and leakage of blood and mucus into the lumen of the bowel. Classic clinical manifestations of intussusception include episodes of sudden, crampy abdominal pain; a palpable sausage-shaped abdominal mass; and red, "currant jelly" stools (Options B and E). Other manifestations include inconsolable crying with the knees drawn up to the chest and vomiting (Option D). The child may appear normal and calm between painful episodes. (Options A and C) A palpable, epigastric, olive-shaped mass and nonbloody projectile vomiting (ie, up to 3-4 feet [~1 meter]) are clinical manifestations often seen with pyloric stenosis. Projectile vomiting may also be a symptom of elevated intracranial pressure. However, intussusception typically causes bilious, nonprojectile vomiting and involves a sausage-shaped mass. Educational objective: Classic symptoms of intussusception include sudden, crampy abdominal pain; a palpable sausage-shaped abdominal mass; "currant jelly" stools; inconsolable crying with the knees drawn up to the chest; and bilious, nonprojectile vomiting. An olive-shaped mass is characteristic of pyloric stenosis. Projectile vomiting is frequently associated with pyloric stenosis or increased intracranial pressure.

The Nurse Is Assessing an Infant with Intussusception