Which description of stool is classically associated with intussusception?

• A. Green watery stool
• B. Black tarry stool
• C. Normal stool
• D. Red currant jelly stool

Answer: (D)

Red currant jelly stool is the description most linked to intussusception. When a segment of intestine slides into another, venous outflow becomes impeded and the mucosa can become ischemic and slough, allowing blood and mucus to leak into the bowel. The mix of blood and mucus gives the stool a thick, reddish, jelly-like appearance often described as red currant jelly. This pattern is distinctive from green watery stool, which points more toward a diarrheal illness; black tarry stool signals digested blood from an upper GI bleed; and normal stool would not indicate this condition.