When there is passage of blood and mucus in stool, what is the condition known as in babies?

Appeared in: CIP Ranchi 2023

Explanation

Dysentery is an intestinal infection characterized by severe diarrhea with the presence of visible blood and mucus in the feces.
This condition is a form of inflammatory gastroenteritis, primarily affecting the colon.
In babies, it is a serious condition that can lead to rapid and severe dehydration, requiring prompt medical attention.
The most common causes are bacteria, such as Shigella species, and parasites, such as Entamoeba histolytica.

Option A: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and upper respiratory tract. It does not cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms like bloody diarrhea.
Option B: Rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, leading to symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. It is a respiratory condition, not a gastrointestinal one.
Option C: Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain and is not associated with infectious diarrhea.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Identification of dysentery based on its characteristic symptoms helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must recognize the signs of dysentery in infants, as it can quickly lead to life-threatening dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and sepsis.
Key nursing interventions include assessing for signs of dehydration (e.g., sunken fontanelle, decreased urine output, poor skin turgor), managing fluid and electrolyte replacement (often with oral rehydration solution), and implementing strict infection control measures (contact precautions).
Patient education for parents is crucial, focusing on hygiene, safe food and water practices, and recognizing warning signs that require immediate medical care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key clinical signs presented in the question: 'passage of blood and mucus in stool' in a 'baby'.
This combination strongly suggests an inflammatory condition of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Next, evaluate each option to determine which one aligns with this clinical picture.
Eliminate 'Leprosy' as it primarily affects the skin and nerves.
Eliminate 'Rhinitis' as it is a condition of the nasal passages.
Eliminate 'Cerebral palsy' as it is a neurological motor disorder.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of dysentery based on its characteristic symptoms.
Stem keywords: passage of blood and mucus, stool, babies
Lead-in keywords: what is the condition known as
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 149-151

E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 3 (pp 477-702 of 713) p. 73-75

Practise the full CIP Ranchi 2023

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