Which data should the nurse expect to obtain during the admission assessment of a child to support the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome?
A. Frequent incidents of frothy diarrhea
B. Frequent foul-smelling ribbon stools
C. Profuse, watery diarrhea and vomiting daily
D. Diffuse abdominal pain unrelated to meals or activity Correct
Rationale: Irritable bowel syndrome causes diffuse abdominal pain unrelated to meals or activity. Alternating constipation and diarrhea with the presence of undigested food and mucus in the stools may also be noted. Option 1 is a clinical manifestation of lactose intolerance. Option 2 is a clinical manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease. Option 3 is a clinical manifestation of celiac disease.
