Ace the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Exam 2025 – Leap into Your Nursing Adventure!

When considering a 7-month-old suspected of having intussusception, the presence of inconsolable crying, abdominal pain, and a sausage-shaped mass in the right lower quadrant are key clinical manifestations that align with this condition.

Intussusception occurs when a part of the intestine telescopes into itself, leading to obstruction. This condition often presents in infants with intermittent abdominal pain that can cause inconsolable crying due to the acute discomfort experienced during episodes of pain. During these episodes, the infant may also exhibit signs of distress and an abnormal physical examination may reveal a palpable, sausage-shaped mass in the right lower quadrant. This mass is formed by the lead point of the intussusception, which is where one segment of intestine has pulled into another.

Recognizing these symptoms is critical for timely diagnosis and intervention, particularly because intussusception can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The combination of inconsolable crying, abdominal pain, and the characteristic abdominal mass is highly indicative of intussusception in infants, making this the most relevant manifestation to expect in this scenario.