Ch. 42- Bowel Elimination/Gastrointestinal Disorder Prep U

The nurse is talking with a woman in her second trimester of pregnancy who has been diagnosed with polyhydramnios. The physician has ordered an ultrasound be performed to check for the presence of esophageal atresia. Which statement by the woman indicates an understanding of the relationship between these conditions?

"Babies with esophageal atresia have an inability to swallow amniotic fluid causing the excess buildup." Explanation: Review the maternal history for polyhydramnios. Often this is the first sign of esophageal atresia because the fetus cannot swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in utero, leading to accumulation. Esophageal atresia is an underlying cause of polyhydramnios.

The parent of a 3-week-old infant brings the infant in for an evaluation. During the visit, the parent tells the nurse that the infant is spitting up after feedings. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

"Infants this age commonly spit up." Explanation: In infants younger than 1 month of age, the lower esophageal sphincter is not fully developed. Therefore, infants younger than 1 month of age frequently regurgitate after feedings. Many children younger than 1 year of age continue to regurgitate for several months, but this usually disappears with age. Adding oat cereal to the infant formula should only be done when medically indicated and under the recommendation of a health care provider. The parent's report is not a cause for concern, so the health care provider does not need to be notified. Additional information would be needed to determine if the infant had an allergy. Although the infant's stomach capacity is small, telling the parent not to worry does not address the parent's concern, and telling the parent that he or she is feeding the child too much implies that he or she is doing something wrong.

The nurse is caring for a teenager diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Which order would the nurse question?

PO pain management Explanation: Maintain NPO status and nasogastric tube suction and patency. Administer intravenous fluids to keep the child hydrated and correct any alterations in fluid and electrolyte balance. Pain management is crucial in children with pancreatitis; due to NPO status, medications are typically prescribed intravenously. Serial monitoring of serum amylase levels will determine when oral feeding may be restarted.

The nurse is examining a 7-year-old with suspected appendicitis. Which physical findings would indicate the possibility of appendicitis?

Persistent, right lower quadrant pain with rebound tenderness Explanation: With appendicitis, symptoms typically do not come and go. They are usually persistent and intensify with time. With appendicitis, maximal tenderness occurs in the area of the McBurney point in the right lower quadrant, not the left. There is pain upon palpation with rebound tenderness. Pain is usually in the right lower quadrant, not the left, and is persistent. There is pain on palpation with rebound tenderness. Pain typically occurs in the right lower quadrant and is persistent and intensifies with time.

The nurse is discussing the treatment of congenital aganglionic megacolon with the caregivers of a child diagnosed with this disorder. Which statement is the best explanation of the treatment for this diagnosis?

"The treatment for the disorder will be a surgical procedure." Explanation: Treatment of congenital aganglionic megacolon involves surgery with the ultimate resection of the aganglionic portion of the bowel. Chronic anemia may be present, but iron will not correct the disorder. Enemas may be given to initially achieve bowel elimination, but they will not treat the disorder. Differentiation must be made between this condition and psychogenic megacolon because of coercive toileting or other emotional problems. The child with aganglionic megacolon does not withhold stools or defecate in inappropriate places, and no soiling occurs.

The nurse teaches a parent to differentiate between regurgitation and vomiting in the infant. The parent correctly states which characteristic of regurgitation? Select all that apply.

No appearance of distress Occurs with feeding Explanation: Regurgitation occurs with feeding; the infant does not exhibit signs of distress. Forceful expulsion of stomach contents that is followed by dry retching unrelated to feeding are characteristics of vomiting.

The nurse caring for an 18-month-old infant with Meckel diverticulum knows that the most common clinical manifestation of this condition is:

Painless rectal bleeding Explanation: With Meckel diverticulum, most symptomatic children present younger than age 2 years. Intermittent, painless rectal bleeding is the most common clinical manifestation of Meckel diverticulum. The blood is most often bright red or maroon and may be passed independent of stool due to ulceration at the junction of the ectopic tissue and the normal ileal mucosa.

The nurse is caring for a pediatric client with idiopathic celiac disease. Which meal will the nurse select for this client?

Baked salmon, potato slices, vanilla ice cream, and apple juice Explanation: Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where contact with gluten causes a reaction from the body's immune system. Clients with celiac disease should be educated to eat a gluten-free diet to decrease symptoms and limit small intestine irritation. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Most commercially used flour contains wheat and should be avoided. The nurse would select foods such as meats/fish (salmon), fruits, vegetables (potatoes), and rice. Single flavor ice creams, such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are gluten free, while cookies contain flour and should be avoided. Fruit juices, water, and milk are all gluten free. Meatloaf may contain oats; however, studies suggest oats are fine to consume, as long as the oats did not come into contact with wheat during processing. Reading the label would indicate if wheat was contacted. Sandwich bread and pastas contain gluten unless special gluten-free products are purchased or it is homemade. The nurse would not assume those items were gluten-free.

The labor and delivery nurse is caring for a mother who has demonstrated polyhydramnios upon delivery. The newborn displays copious, frothy bubbles of mucus in the mouth and nose, as well as drooling. The nurse is concerned that the infant has what disorder?

Esophageal atresia Explanation: Esophageal atresia refers to a congenitally interrupted esophagus where the proximal and distal ends do not communicate; the upper esophageal segment ends in a blind pouch and the lower segment ends a variable distance above the diaphragm. Polyhydramnios is often the first sign of esophageal atresia because the fetus cannot swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in utero, leading to accumulation. Omphalocele and gastroschisis are congenital anomalies of the anterior abdominal wall. Hiatal hernia involves a weakened diaphragm.

The nurse is caring for a 12-year-old child with Crohn disease. What assessment finding will the nurse report to the health care provider when caring for the child?

Fever Explanation: Crohn disease may affect any area of the digestive tract. It causes acute and chronic inflammation. It may also cause abscesses and fistulas. Inflammation and abscesses can cause fever. An increasing temperature could be the manifestation of the inflammation worsening or the development of an abscess and subsequent infection. The progression of the disease will be reported to the health care provider. A headache may accompany the fever and is a sign of generally not feeling well. It does not indicate progression of the disease, thus does not need to be reported. Clear lung sounds and no swollen joints are good signs, but they are not associated with Crohn disease.

A parent brings a 2-year-old child to the health clinic with reports of diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The father tells the nurse that he is a single parent and his child is enrolled in a local day care center. Based on this information, what gastrointestinal condition might the nurse suspect?

Gastroenteritis Explanation: Outbreaks of gastroenteritis routinely occur in day care centers, schools, institutions for the handicapped, and other places where overcrowding is prevalent and hygiene is inadequate. Typical signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

An 18-month-old infant is brought to the emergency department with flu-like symptoms. The infant is diagnosed with pneumonia secondary to aspiration of stomach contents. The nurse explains to the parents that pneumonia is a condition that often occurs secondary to:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease Explanation: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the passage of gastric contents into the esophagus. These refluxed contents may be aspirated into the lungs. The child with gastroesophageal reflux disease may present with the physical findings of pneumonia or GER-induced asthma. GER may cause apnea or an apparent life-threatening event in the younger infant. Pneumonia can occur in children with cystic fibrosis, but the child would need to have the cystic fibrosis diagnosis first. Hirschsprung and inflammatory bowel diseases are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that do not present with respiratory symptoms.

A neonatal nurse teaches students how to recognize gastrointestinal disorders in infants. The nurse tells the students that failure of the newborn to pass meconium in the first 24 hours after birth may indicate what disease?

Hirschsprung disease Explanation: The nurse should suspect Hirschsprung disease when the newborn does not pass meconium in the first 24 hours after birth, and has bilious vomiting or abdominal distention and feeding intolerance with bilious aspirates and vomiting. Typical signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The characteristic GI manifestation of UC is bloody diarrhea accompanied by crampy, typically left-sided lower abdominal pain. Clinical manifestations of untreated SBS include profuse watery diarrhea, malabsorption, and failure to thrive.

The nurse is teaching an in-service program to a group of nurses on the topic of gastrointestinal disorders. The nurses in the group make the following statements. Which statement is most accurate related to the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux?

In this disorder the sphincter that leads into the stomach is relaxed. Explanation: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when the sphincter in the lower portion of the esophagus, which leads into the stomach, is relaxed and allows gastric contents to be regurgitated back into the esophagus. Congenital aganglionic megacolon is characterized by persistent constipation resulting from partial or complete intestinal obstruction of mechanical origin. Colic consists of recurrent paroxysmal bouts of abdominal pain. Pyloric stenosis is characterized by hypertrophy of the circular muscle fibers of the pylorus, which leads to an obstruction at the distal end of the stomach.

A mother is alarmed because her 6-week-old boy has begun vomiting almost immediately after every feeding. In the past week, the vomiting has grown more forceful, with the vomit projecting several feet from his mouth. He is always hungry again just after vomiting. At the physician's office, the nurse holds the child and offers him a bottle. While he drinks, the nurse notes an olive-size lump in his right abdomen. Which condition should the nurse suspect in this child?

Pyloric stenosis Explanation: With pyloric stenosis, at 4 to 6 weeks of age, infants typically begin to vomit almost immediately after each feeding. The vomiting grows increasingly forceful until it is projectile, possibly projecting as much as 3 to 4 feet. Infants are usually hungry immediately after vomiting because they are not nauseated. A definitive diagnosis can be made by watching the infant drink. If pyloric stenosis is present, the sphincter feels round and firm, approximately the size of an olive in the right abdomen. Peptic ulcer disease in neonates usually presents with hematemesis (blood in vomitus) or melena (blood in the stool). Gastroesophageal reflux involves a small (1-2 tsp) volume and is not forceful. Appendicitis typically begins with anorexia for 12 to 24 hours; children do not eat and do not act like their usual selves. Nausea and vomiting may then occur, followed by diffuse abdominal pain.

The mother of an infant tells the nurse during a routine visit to the clinic that she often notices a bulging mass in the lower abdominal and groin area when her baby cries. She asks the nurse if this is normal. How should the nurse respond?

"I understand your concern. I will be sure to document this in your child's medical record and report this information to your child's physician immediately." Explanation: The mother is describing common symptoms of an inguinal hernia. It may be possible to visualize the mass, but often the mass is seen only during crying or straining, making it difficult to actually identify in the clinic setting. It is important to notify the physician so treatment can be initiated.

The student nurse is preparing a presentation on celiac disease. What information should be included? Select all apply.

"Symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, steatorrhea, anemia, and dental disorders." "Gluten is found in most wheat products, rye, barley and possibly oats." The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet." Explanation: Celiac disease is an immunologic disorder in which gluten causes damage to the small intestine. The only treatment currently is consuming a gluten-free diet. While the child needs to have a gluten-free diet, the rest of the family does not. Most children present by the age of 2 for evaluation. Symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, constipation, steatorrhea, weight loss, poor muscle tone, anemia and dental disorders. Gluten is found in most grains, like wheat, rye, barley and possibly oats.

The nurse is caring for a 13-year-old girl with suspected autoimmune hepatitis. The girl inquires about the testing required to evaluate the condition. How should the nurse respond?

"You will most likely have a blood test to check for certain antibodies." Explanation: Anti-nuclear antibodies are one of the diagnostic tests performed to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis. Ultrasound is performed to assess for liver or spleen abnormalities. Viral studies are performed to screen for viral causes of hepatitis. Ammonia levels may be ordered if hepatic encephalopathy is suspected.

A preschooler has celiac disease. The parent is preparing a gluten-free diet. The nurse knows that the parent understands the diet when the parent prepares which breakfast foods?

Eggs and orange juice Explanation: Celiac disease is an immunological disorder in which gluten causes damage to the small intestines. Gluten is commonly found in grains. Children with celiac disease cannot digest the protein in common grains, such as wheat, rye, and oats. Providing foods with rye, wheat, and oats would cause the child to develop symptoms and worsen the situation.

The nurse is assessing a 10-day-old infant for dehydration. Which finding indicates severe dehydration?

Tenting of skin Explanation: Tenting of skin is an indicator of severe dehydration. Soft and flat fontanels (fontanelles) indicate mild dehydration. Pale and slightly dry mucosa indicates mild or moderate dehydration. Blood pressure of 80/42 mm Hg is a normal finding for an infant.

An adolescent is diagnosed with hepatitis A. Which problem should be considered when planning care?

The adolescent will become fatigued easily. Explanation: Hepatitis A is transmitted via the oral-fecal route; it is water borne and often occurs in areas of poor sanitation. The adolescent with hepatitis A will exhibit flu-like symptoms, a headache, anorexia and fatigue. The urine is not infectious and fever may be present as opposed to hypothermia. Irritability is not one of the symptoms of hepatitis A. The client is usually lethargic or listless.

A 4-month-old has had a fever, vomiting, and loose watery stools every few hours for 2 days. The mother calls the physician's office and asks the nurse what she should do. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

"Bring the child to the office today so we can evaluate her fluid balance and determine the best treatment." Explanation: An infant's body comprises a high percentage of fluid that can be lost very quickly when vomiting, fever, and diarrhea are all present. This infant needs to be seen by the physician based on her age and symptoms; hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous rehydration depending upon her status when assessed.

The nurse is teaching the mother of an infant with a temporary ileostomy about stoma care. What is the most important instruction to emphasize to the mother to avoid an emergency situation?

"Call the doctor immediately if the stoma is not pink/red and moist." Explanation: A healthy stoma is pink and moist. If the stoma is dry or pale, the mother must notify the health care provider immediately because it could indicate compromised circulation. Gathering supplies is important but would not be involved in avoiding an emergency situation. All of the other instructions are valid, but emphasizing the color of the healthy stoma is most important to avoid an emergency situation. Adhesive remover may be needed to ease pouch removal, but this action would not necessarily avoid an emergency situation. Meticulous skin care is important, but this action would not necessarily avoid an emergency situation.

The nurse is caring for an infant recently diagnosed with oral candidiasis (thrush) who has been prescribed nystatin. Which statement by the infant's mother would suggest a need for further education?

"I will add the nystatin to her bottle four times per day." Explanation: Administer nystatin suspension four times per day following feeding, not mixed in the bottle, to allow the medication to remain in contact with the lesions. In the younger infant, apply nystatin to the lesions with a cotton-tipped applicator. Infants and young children often mouth their toys, so it is important to clean them appropriately. Explain to parents of infants with oral candidiasis (thrush) the importance of reporting diaper rash because fungal infections in the diaper area often occur concomitantly with thrush and also need to be treated.

The student nurse is caring for a child with the nursing diagnosis "Risk for fluid volume deficit related to inadequate oral intake." Which statement by the student would indicate a need for further education by the nursing instructor?

"I will make sure there is plenty of orange juice available. It's her favorite juice." Explanation: Proper interventions for children at risk for fluid volume deficit include maintaining IV line and administer IV fluid as ordered to maintain fluid volume. Offer small amounts of oral rehydration solution frequently to maintain fluid volume. Small amounts are usually well tolerated by children with diarrhea and vomiting. Avoid high-carbohydrate fluids such as Kool-Aid and fruit juice, as they are low in electrolytes, and increased simple carbohydrate consumption can decrease stool transit time. Daily weights are one of the best indicators of fluid volume status in children.

The nurse is caring for a newborn diagnosed with imperforate anus following delivery. The physician has discussed the treatment options and prognosis with the parents. The nurse is talking with the parents and determines that learning has occurred when the parents make which statement?

"We are worried that our child may have other congenital problems that we aren't aware of." Explanation: Imperforate anus is a congenital malformation of the anorectal opening. Other congenital anomalies may be associated with imperforate anus in 50% of cases. Surgical intervention is needed for both high and low types of imperforate anus. After repair, only about 30% with a high defect will achieve continence. To decrease the drying associated with frequent cleaning, avoid baby wipes and frequent use of soap and water.