Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) Practice Exam

Intussusception is a medical condition where a segment of the intestine telescopes or folds into an adjacent segment, causing an obstruction. This can lead to compromised blood supply to the affected area, inflammation, and potential complications such as perforation or ischemia. The mechanism involves one part of the bowel slipping into another, which not only blocks the passage of contents but can also disrupt normal intestinal function.

Understanding intussusception is critical, especially in pediatric care, as it is more common among children and can present with symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and currant jelly stools. Early recognition and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications.

The other options provided represent different medical conditions that do not describe intussusception. An inflammatory bowel disease refers to chronic conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, a blockage in the respiratory system relates to breathing difficulties, and a cardiovascular condition pertains to heart and blood vessel health. Therefore, the specificity of option A accurately captures the definition of intussusception.