What is the congenital absence of the Rectum called?

Appeared in: Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Explanation

Anorectal malformation is the correct medical term for a range of birth defects that affect the development of the lower part of the large intestine, specifically the rectum and anus.
This spectrum of defects includes conditions like imperforate anus (no anal opening) and rectal atresia, which is the congenital absence or complete blockage of the rectum.
The condition results from abnormal development during the 5th to 7th weeks of gestation, where the lower intestine fails to connect properly to the anal opening.

Option A: Hypospadias is a congenital defect of the male genitourinary system, not the gastrointestinal system. It involves the abnormal placement of the urethral opening.
Option B: Epispadias is also a congenital defect of the genitourinary system. It involves the misplacement of the urethral opening on the top of the penis.
Option D: Parotitis is an infectious condition, not a congenital structural defect. It is the inflammation of the parotid salivary gland.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Congenital Gastrointestinal Anomalies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A critical nursing responsibility in the immediate postnatal period is the assessment of the newborn, which must include verifying anal patency and noting the passage of the first meconium stool.
Failure to pass meconium within 24-48 hours is a major red flag for a bowel obstruction, such as an anorectal malformation, and requires immediate notification of the physician.
What if? If a newborn passes meconium, but it is observed coming from the vagina or in the urine, the answer would still be an anorectal malformation, but specifically one with a rectovaginal or rectourinary fistula, respectively. This finding also requires urgent surgical consultation.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology for specific congenital defects.
First, break down the question stem: 'congenital' (present at birth), 'absence' (missing), and 'Rectum'. You are looking for a term that describes a birth defect where the rectum is absent.
Next, evaluate each option's definition.
Eliminate options related to different body systems. Hypospadias and Epispadias relate to the male urinary system.
Eliminate options that describe a disease process rather than a structural defect. Parotitis is inflammation/infection.
The remaining option, Anorectal malformation, directly relates to structural defects of the anus and rectum, making it the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 2 (pp 239-476 of 713) p. 165-167

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 189-191

Practise the full Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.