8. Hirschsprung, Celiac Disease

what is hirschsprung disease?

a motility disorder caused by inactive nerve cells in part of the intestine

what’s the classic newborn finding in hirschsprung disease? *

failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours of life

what abdominal findings occur with hirschsprung disease? *

abdominal distention, palpable stool masses

how is hirschsprung disease treated? *

surgical resection with an ostomy, followed by ostomy reversal months later

what nursing care is needed for hirschsprung disease?

• ostomy care

• monitor for enterocolitis

  • fever, abdominal distension, chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding

what findings suggest enterocolitis in a child with hirschsprung disease?

• fever

• abdominal distention

• chronic diarrhea

• rectal bleeding

what is celiac disease?

an immunologic disorder iwhere gluten damages the small intestinal villi

• damaged villi impair nutrient absorption, leading to malnutrition

what GI findings occur with celiac disease?

• diarrhea

• steatorrhea

• constipation

• abdominal distention

what other findings occur with celiac disease?

• failure to thrive

• poor muscle tone

• irritability and listlessness

• dental disorders

• anemia and nutritional deficiencies

• delayed puberty or amenorrhea

how is celiac disease treated?

a strict gluten-free diet

what grains must be avoided with celiac disease? *

wheat, rye, barley

what prepared foods may contain gluten? *

pasta, creamed vegetables;, frozen yogurt, prepared soups

what foods are safe choices for celiac disease? *

• potatoes, soy, rice

• meat, poultry, and fish

• peanut butter

• fruits and fruit juice

• choose versions without added gluten-containing ingredients