Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a telescoping of the intestines in neonates requiring immediate surgical intervention?

1. Intussusception

2. Pyloric stenosis

3. Tetralogy of Fallot

4. Omphalocele

The correct answer is: Intussusception

Intussusception is the condition described as the telescoping of the intestines, where one segment of the intestine slides into an adjacent segment. This can lead to blockage of the intestine and restrict blood flow, which can quickly progress to serious complications such as bowel necrosis. In neonates, intussusception often requires immediate surgical intervention to correct the obstruction and prevent further complications. Pyloric stenosis, while a surgical condition, involves the narrowing of the pylorus and does not involve telescoping of the intestines. Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect with multiple components, and omphalocele is a developmental defect involving the abdominal wall. Neither of these conditions describes a telescoping process similar to that of intussusception. Understanding the specifics of each condition is essential for recognizing the urgency of surgical interventions when presented with such cases in neonates.