Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Which statement about Hirschsprung's disease is accurate?

1. There is an over abundance of ganglion cells which lead to symptoms

2. The absence of ganglion cells results in a lack of peristalsis in a section of the bowel

3. The entire bowel is without ganglion cells leading to total obstruction

4. The overactive ganglion cells can cause increased motility and diarrhea

The correct answer is: The absence of ganglion cells results in a lack of peristalsis in a section of the bowel

The statement regarding the absence of ganglion cells resulting in a lack of peristalsis in a section of the bowel is accurate because Hirschsprung's disease, also known as congenital aganglionic megacolon, is characterized by the absence of enteric ganglion cells in the distal portion of the colon. This absence disrupts the normal functioning of the bowel because ganglion cells are essential for the coordination of bowel contractions. Peristalsis, the rhythmic contraction of the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract that moves contents along, relies on these cells. Without them, the affected segment of the bowel cannot contract effectively, leading to a functional obstruction that can cause symptoms such as chronic constipation and abdominal distension. In contrast, the other statements are inaccurate in their descriptions of the disease. An abundance of ganglion cells would not lead to the symptoms seen in Hirschsprung’s disease; instead, the lack of these cells is the root cause. Furthermore, while it is true that the disease can affect a significant portion of the bowel, it is not correct to say that the entire bowel is devoid of ganglion cells, as this is usually localized to a segment of the colon. Lastly, describing overactive ganglion cells causing increased motility and