One of the following is the acquired cause of intestinal obstruction in children?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Explanation

Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children between 6 months and 3 years of age.
It is considered an acquired condition because it develops after birth, unlike congenital anomalies which are present from birth.
The condition involves one segment of the intestine telescoping into another, which can compromise blood supply.
While often idiopathic, it can sometimes be triggered by a recent viral infection which causes swelling of lymphoid tissue (Peyer's patches) in the intestine, acting as a lead point.

Option A: Intestinal atresia is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. It results from the failure of the intestinal lumen to develop properly during fetal life.
Option B: Meconium ileus is a congenital obstruction that occurs in newborns. It is caused by abnormally thick and sticky meconium and is a classic early sign of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder.
Option D: Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a remnant of the fetal vitelline duct and is present from birth.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Differentiating between congenital and acquired causes of pediatric intestinal obstruction as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the classic triad of intussusception—sudden onset of severe, colicky abdominal pain, a palpable sausage-shaped abdominal mass, and 'currant jelly' stools (a mix of blood and mucus)—is critical for early diagnosis.
Prompt nursing assessment and intervention are vital because intussusception is a medical emergency. Delay in treatment can lead to bowel ischemia, perforation, peritonitis, and sepsis.
What if? If a child with suspected intussusception suddenly becomes pain-free and passes a normal brown stool, the nurse should notify the physician immediately. This could indicate that the intussusception has spontaneously reduced, but the child still requires observation as it can recur.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'acquired cause'. This is the central concept you need to address.
Read all the options provided: Intestinal Atresia, Meconium ileus, Intussusception, and Meckel's diverticulum.
Mentally classify each option as either 'congenital' (present at birth) or 'acquired' (develops after birth).
Recall that atresia, meconium ileus (linked to a genetic disease), and Meckel's diverticulum are all congenital anomalies.
Identify Intussusception as the condition that typically develops in infancy or early childhood, not at birth, making it the acquired cause.
Select the option that matches your analysis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Differentiating between congenital and acquired causes of pediatric intestinal obstruction.
Stem keywords: acquired cause, intestinal obstruction, children
Lead-in keywords: One of the following

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 782-784

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 63-65