A 3-year-old is admitted due to suspected intussusception. Which finding is associated with intussusception?
A. Projectile vomiting
B. Loose-foul smelling stools
C. ” Red currant jelly” stools
D. “Ribbon-like” stools
Correct Answer: C. “Red currant jelly” stools
Option C: An intussusception is a form of bowel obstruction in which a segment of intestine telescopes into the adjoining intestinal lumen. The obstruction causes impairment of the blood supply resulting in ischemia. The intestinal mucosa is sensitive to ischemia and reacts by sloughing off into the bowel creating “ red currant jelly” stools (stools that contain blood and mucus).
Option A: Projectile vomiting is a symptom of pyloric stenosis.
Option B: Loose-foul-smelling stool is a symptom of infectious gastroenteritis.
Option D: Ribbon-like stool is a symptom of Hirschsprung’s disease.