Congenital absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular organ is called?

AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Atresia is the medical term for the congenital absence or complete closure of a normal body opening or tubular structure, such as the esophagus or intestine.
This condition results from incomplete development in the embryonic stage, leading to a mechanical obstruction that prevents the normal passage of substances.
A common example is esophageal atresia, where the esophagus ends in a blind pouch instead of connecting to the stomach, making feeding impossible.

Option A: A fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between two organs or vessels that do not normally connect. It is not a closure or absence of an opening.
Option C: A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. It does not involve the closure of a normal orifice.
Option D: Stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body. It is a reduction in diameter, not a complete closure or absence as described in the question.

Visual 1: Diagram - A comparison of a normal esophagus versus different types of esophageal atresia, clearly showing the blind pouch and its separation from the stomach.
Visual 2: Illustration - A depiction of anal atresia (imperforate anus) to provide an example of atresia affecting a body orifice rather than a tubular organ.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Medical Terminology: Congenital Anomalies helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must be skilled in assessing newborns for signs of atresia, such as choking, coughing, and cyanosis during feeding (suggesting esophageal atresia) or the failure to pass meconium within 24-48 hours (suggesting anal atresia).
Early recognition and reporting of these signs are critical for prompt surgical referral, which is often life-saving.
Post-operative nursing care for an infant with a corrected atresia is complex, involving nutritional support (often starting with parenteral nutrition), wound care, pain management, and vigilant monitoring for complications like anastomotic leaks or the development of strictures.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question stem and identify the key defining phrases: 'congenital' (present at birth), 'absence or closure' (a complete blockage), and 'normal body orifice or tubular organ'.
Next, systematically evaluate each option against this precise definition.
Eliminate 'Hernia' because it describes a protrusion, not an absence or closure.
Eliminate 'Fistula' because it refers to an abnormal connection, not a blockage.
The final step is to differentiate between 'Atresia' and 'Stenosis'. Recall that 'stenosis' means narrowing, while 'atresia' means complete absence or closure. Since the question specifies 'absence or closure', 'Atresia' is the only correct match.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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