The congenital absence of parasympathetic ganglionic nerve cells of the colon and rectum is called as

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

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Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Hirschsprung's disease, also known as congenital aganglionic megacolon, is a developmental disorder of the enteric nervous system.
It is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the submucosal (Meissner's) and myenteric (Auerbach's) plexuses of the distal bowel.
This lack of nerve cells (aganglionosis) prevents peristalsis, leading to a functional obstruction and dilation of the colon proximal to the affected segment.
The rectum is always affected, and the condition is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in newborns.

Option B: Intussusception is a mechanical obstruction, not a neurological one. It involves the telescoping of one segment of the intestine into another.
Option C: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a condition of the stomach, not the colon or rectum. It is caused by the thickening of the pyloric muscle, which obstructs gastric outflow.
Option D: Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly of the small intestine, an outpouching that is a remnant of the vitelline duct. It is unrelated to the absence of nerve cells.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Congenital Gastrointestinal Disorders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing responsibility is to identify newborns who fail to pass meconium within 24-48 hours, as this is a cardinal sign of Hirschsprung's disease and requires immediate investigation.
Nurses must monitor for signs of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), a life-threatening complication characterized by fever, explosive diarrhea, and severe abdominal distension.
Post-operative care after a pull-through procedure involves meticulous stoma or perineal care, monitoring for infection, and educating parents on long-term bowel management.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question stem to identify the core pathological feature: 'congenital absence of parasympathetic ganglionic nerve cells'.
Recognize that this is a very specific definition for a particular disease.
Systematically evaluate each option against this definition.
Option A, Hirschsprung's disease, is the textbook definition of congenital aganglionosis of the colon.
Rule out the other options by recalling their distinct mechanisms: Intussusception (telescoping), Pyloric Stenosis (muscle hypertrophy), and Meckel's Diverticulum (embryonic duct remnant).
Confirming the match between the definition in the stem and the name of the disease leads to the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Congenital Gastrointestinal Disorders
Stem keywords: congenital absence, parasympathetic ganglionic nerve cells, colon, rectum
Lead-in keywords: called as
Negative lead-in flag: false

Q379-MBmD9bWCFTHIi24X6

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