A 12-month-old child who was diagnosed at birth as having Hirschsprung’s disease has been maintained at home under conservative treatment. The parents have brought the child to the clinic for a well-baby examination. After interviewing the child’s parents, the nurse concludes that an appropriate treatment regimen is being followed. Which of the following would indicate this?
ExplanationThe child should be receiving isotonic saline enemas. Repeated tap water or soap suds enemas would cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances. A low-residue diet is indicated because the child has no peristalsis. High-fiber diets are contraindicated.