ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

All the following are forms of mechanical obstruction in neonates except:

1. Paralytic ileus

2. Meconium ileus

3. Volvulus

4. Hernia

The correct answer is: Hernia

In the context of neonatal conditions, mechanical obstructions refer to physical blockages in the gastrointestinal tract. Each of the listed conditions involves varying mechanisms of obstruction. Paralytic ileus occurs when the intestines are unable to function due to a lack of peristaltic movement, often due to nerve or muscle damage. This does not represent a mechanical blockage but rather a functional one. Meconium ileus is a condition where the meconium becomes thickened and obstructs the intestinal passage. It is a clear example of mechanical obstruction as it involves a physical blockage by fecal material. Volvulus is when the intestine twists around itself, causing an obstruction due to the twisting nature of the tissue. This is a direct mechanical blockage leading to compromised blood supply and intestinal function. Hernia involves a part of the intestine protruding through a defect in the abdominal wall but does not specifically involve the blockage of the intestinal lumen itself in the same manner as the other conditions. While hernias can lead to obstruction, they are not classified strictly as mechanical obstructions in the way that the other options are. Therefore, among the options provided, hernia stands out as not purely a form of mechanical obstruction since it does not primarily function as a blockage