1. Structure & Assessment

why is the mouth a common portal of entry for infection?

it’s highly vascular

when is lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle tone fully developed?

1 month

when does hydrochloric acid reach adult levels?

6 months

how do the stomach and intestines change as children grow?

• stomach capacity increases until adulthood

• intestinal length increases throughout childhood

when do pancreatic enzymes reach adult levels?

2 years

which age groups are at higher risk for insensible fluid losses?

infants and young children

what history should be obtained for a child with a GI disorder?

• past history

• present illness

• family history

• historical growth patterns

what should the nurse inspect and observe during a pediatric GI assessment?

color; hydration status; abdominal size and shape; mental status

what’s the correct order for an abdominal assessment?

inspection → auscultation → percussion → palpation