Pediatric Respiratory and GI Disorders: Key Signs, Symptoms, and Care

Pediatric airway difference from adults

Smaller/narrower airway, larger tongue → ↑ obstruction risk

Infants/toddlers prone to otitis media

Short, horizontal eustachian tubes

Symptoms of otitis media

Ear pain, tugging at ears, fever, irritability

Otitis media discharge teaching

Finish antibiotics, upright feeding, avoid smoke exposure

Major postoperative complication of tonsillectomy

Hemorrhage

Signs of postoperative bleeding after tonsillectomy

Frequent swallowing, clearing throat, bright red emesis

Avoid coughing/blowing nose post-tonsillectomy

May disrupt surgical site and cause bleeding

Signs of epiglottitis

Drooling, high fever, tripod position, severe distress

Avoid throat inspection in epiglottitis

Can cause sudden airway obstruction

Symptoms of croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Barking cough, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness

Signs of airway obstruction

Stridor, retractions, nasal flaring, inability to speak/cry

Treatment for mild croup

Cool mist and hydration

Virus that causes bronchiolitis

RSV

Priority nursing care for bronchiolitis

Maintain airway and hydration — suction before feeds

Defect in cystic fibrosis

Thick sticky mucus from exocrine gland dysfunction

Organ systems affected in CF

Respiratory and GI (especially pancreas)

Why give pancreatic enzymes in CF

To improve digestion and absorption

Diet for CF

High-calorie, high-protein, added salt

Pathophysiology of asthma

Inflammation, bronchoconstriction, ↑ mucus production

Common asthma triggers

Allergens, infection, exercise

Early signs of asthma attack

Night cough, wheezing, chest tightness

Purpose of rescue inhaler

Rapid bronchodilation during acute symptoms

Why use a spacer with inhaler

Better med delivery to lungs

What is status asthmaticus

Severe asthma not responding to treatment → emergency

Teaching after steroid inhaler use

Rinse mouth to prevent thrush

Why immunizations important for respiratory health

Prevent infections that worsen respiratory disease

Best indicator of respiratory distress severity

Work of breathing (retractions, flaring, etc.)

Best position to improve breathing

Tripod or upright position

Sign of impending respiratory failure

Bradypnea, weak effort, lethargy

Why hydration important in respiratory illness

Thins secretions / prevents dehydration

Pediatric GI system difference from adults

Immature GI tract → higher risk for dehydration/electrolyte imbalance

Primary concern with cleft lip/palate before surgery

Aspiration and poor feeding

Feeding technique for cleft lip/palate

Special nipples, upright position, frequent burping

Priority after cleft palate repair

Protect airway and suture line

Signs of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF)

Coughing, choking, cyanosis with feeds

Priority action for suspected TEF

Stop feeding and maintain airway

Cause of GER in infants

Immature lower esophageal sphincter

Symptoms of GER

Vomiting, irritability, poor weight gain

Positioning for infant with GER

Keep upright after feeds

Meds for GER

Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers

Pathophysiology of intussusception

Bowel telescopes into itself → obstruction

Hallmark stool in intussusception

Red "currant jelly" stools

Treatment for intussusception

Air or barium enema may reduce it

Cause of Hirschsprung's disease

No ganglion cells in colon → no peristalsis

Symptom of Hirschsprung's in newborns

Failure to pass meconium

Complication of Hirschsprung's

Enterocolitis

What is pyloric stenosis

Pyloric muscle hypertrophy → gastric outlet obstruction

Classic symptom of pyloric stenosis

Projectile vomiting after eating

Electrolyte imbalance in pyloric stenosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Signs of dehydration in infants

Sunken fontanel, poor turgor, dry mucosa, low output

Classification of dehydration severity

Mild / Moderate / Severe (based on % weight loss)

First-line treatment for mild-moderate dehydration

Oral rehydration therapy

Concern with diarrhea in children

Rapid dehydration and electrolyte loss

Early sign of hypovolemic shock in infants

Tachycardia

Why are daily weights important in GI disorders

Best indicator of fluid balance