Palpation of an olive-shaped mass in the epigastrium is an indication of:

Correct option is D

Ans. (d) Sol. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is characterized by the palpable olive-shaped mass in the epigastrium. It is a condition in infants where the pyloric muscle thickens, blocking the passage from the stomach to the small intestine, causing vomiting and dehydration.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) appendicitis – Incorrect. Appendicitis generally causes pain in the lower right abdomen and is not associated with an olive-shaped mass in the epigastrium.
· (b) ulcerative colitis – Incorrect. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and does not present with an olive-shaped mass in the epigastrium.
· (c) malabsorption syndrome – Incorrect. Malabsorption syndrome involves difficulty in absorbing nutrients from food but does not lead to an olive-shaped mass in the epigastrium.
· (d) hypertrophic pyloric stenosis – Correct. This condition presents with an olive-shaped mass felt in the upper abdomen, often associated with projectile vomiting in infants.