Condition Overview
It’s when a proximal segment of the bowel telescopes into a distal segment, causing obstruction, edema, and potential ischemia.
What is intussusception?
What type of abdominal pain is seen in intussusception?
Sudden, episodic abdominal pain.
What is the primary imaging method used to diagnose intussusception?
Abdominal ultrasound.
What is the first-line treatment for intussusception?
An air enema (may be done with or without contrast).
What should nurses reinforce to families before nonsurgical treatment?
Teaching about the air or hydrostatic enema procedure.
What age range is intussusception most common in?
Infants and children aged 3 months to 6 years.
What posture might a child assume during pain episodes?
Screaming and drawing knees to the chest.
Who typically performs the therapeutic imaging procedure?
A radiologist.
An enema that uses liquid and ultrasound guidance—no radiation.
What is a hydrostatic enema?
What post-procedure teaching is important?
Watch for recurrence—monitor for pain or red currant jelly stools.
What complications can result if intussusception is left untreated?
Ischemia and increased mucus in the intestines, and possible necrosis.
What is a classic stool finding?
Stools mixed with blood and mucus—“red currant jelly.”
What diagnostic procedure can both confirm and sometimes correct intussusception?
Barium enema—it provides an x-ray image and may reduce the telescoped bowel.
When is surgery required?
For reoccurring or unsuccessful enema cases.
What complication may require surgical intervention?
Reoccurring intussusception.
What causes swelling and edema in intussusception?
Lymphatic and venous obstruction due to telescoping of the bowel.
What may be felt on palpation of the abdomen?
A sausage-shaped abdominal mass.
How do infants typically appear before an intussusception episode?
Usually well and thriving, with no signs of illness.
What is the purpose of the enema in treatment?
To reduce the telescoped bowel non-surgically.
What physical signs should nurses continue to assess post-reduction?
Abdominal tenderness, distention, and return of normal stools.
What serious outcome may result from blocked blood supply in intussusception?
Gangrene and possible bowel rupture.
Name two additional clinical findings.
Vomiting , fever,
Tender, distended abdomen
Is radiation used in all diagnostic procedures for intussusception?
No—hydrostatic enemas use ultrasound guidance and no radiation.
Why might the condition recur after treatment?
Intussusception can return in some children even after successful reduction.
What emotional support is important during care?
Reassure and educate the family about the safety and effectiveness of treatment.