Nursing Care of the Child: Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

A set of flashcards focusing on gastrointestinal dysfunction in pediatric nursing care.

What is the primary function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?

Digestion and absorption of nutrients.

What can GI dysfunction lead to in children?

Problems with fluids, electrolytes, nutrition, and growth & development.

What are the main sections of the GI tract during gestation?

Foregut, midgut, and hindgut.

At how many weeks gestation can stomach and esophagus formation be identified?

At only 4 weeks gestation.

What shape is an infant's stomach until age 2?

Horizontal & round.

What is the typical feeding pattern for infants?

Small, frequent feedings every 2–4 hours.

What does mechanical digestion include?

Chewing, peristalsis, and mixing.

What is the role of enzymes in chemical digestion?

To break macronutrients into absorbable molecules.

What does the hormone gastrin do in the digestive process?

Increases gastric acid.

What is the function of bile in digestion?

Emulsifies fats and enables absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K.

What are key assessments in a GI assessment?

Intake & output, daily weights, stool characteristics, and abdominal examination.

What are common clinical manifestations of diarrhea?

Frequent, loose stools; vomiting; signs of dehydration.

What is the first-line treatment for dehydration due to diarrhea?

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT).

What is a common cause of constipation in children?

Low fiber/fluid intake and psychosocial stressors.

What dietary modifications can help treat constipation?

High-fiber diet and increased fluid intake.

What is the primary treatment for Hirschsprung disease?

Surgical resection of the aganglionic segment.

What are the symptoms of acute appendicitis?

Periumbilical pain migrating to the right lower quadrant, rebound tenderness, fever.

What is the treatment for Meckel diverticulum?

Surgical removal.

What are common clinical signs of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?

Projectile, nonbilious vomiting after feeds and an olive-shaped mass in the RUQ.

What should be monitored postoperatively after a pyloromyotomy?

Hydration, gradual reintroduction of feeds, and signs of infection.

What two imaging techniques are used to diagnose intussusception?

Ultrasound and air or contrast enema.

What are classic symptoms of malrotation and volvulus?

Bilious vomiting, abdominal distention, acute pain, and signs of shock.

What is the hallmark sign of short bowel syndrome?

Chronic diarrhea and dehydration.

What dietary approach is used for managing celiac disease?

Lifelong gluten-free diet.

What are clinical manifestations of viral hepatitis?

Fatigue, anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools.

What is biliary atresia and its main treatment?

Obstructed bile flow due to malformation; treated with hepatic portoenterostomy.

What are the symptoms of dehydration in a child?

Dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, sunken fontanel.

What laboratory tests are indicated for suspected gastrointestinal bleeding?

CBC, PT, aPTT, INR.

What are signs of aspiration in a child with vomiting?

Cough, dyspnea, fever.

What is a key preventative measure for gastrointestinal disorders in children?

Hand hygiene.

What does auscultation of bowel sounds assess during a GI assessment?

Detects normal or abnormal intestinal activity.