Chapter 26: The Child with Gastrointestinal Dysfunction (exam 3)

A 3-year-old child with Hirschsprung disease is hospitalized for surgery. A temporary colostomy will be necessary. How should the nurse prepare this child? a. It is unnecessary because of child's age. b. It is essential because it will be an adjustment. c. Preparation is not needed because the colostomy is temporary. d. Preparation is important because the child needs to deal with negative body image.

B (The child's age dictates the type and extent of psychologic preparation. When a colostomy is performed, it is necessary to prepare the child who is at least preschool age by telling him or her about the procedure and what to expect in concrete terms, with the use of visual aids. The preschooler is not yet concerned with body image.)

The nurse is caring for a child with celiac disease. The nurse understands that what may precipitate a celiac crisis? (Select all that apply.) a.Exercise b.Infections c.Fluid overload d.Electrolyte depletion e.Emotional disturbance

B, D, E (A celiac crisis can be precipitated by infections, electrolyte depletion, and emotional disturbance. Exercise or fluid overload does not precipitate a crisis.)

A school-age child with celiac disease asks for guidance about snacks that will not exacerbate the disease. What snack should the nurse suggest? a. Pizza b. Pretzels c. Popcorn d. Oatmeal cookies

C (Celiac disease symptoms result from ingestion of gluten. Corn and rice do not contain gluten. Popcorn or corn chips will not exacerbate the intestinal symptoms. Pizza and pretzels are usually made from wheat flour that contains gluten. Also, in the early stages of celiac disease, the child may be lactose intolerant. Oatmeal contains gluten.)

The mother of a child with cognitive impairment calls the nurse because her son has been gagging and drooling all morning. The nurse suspects foreign body ingestion. What physiologic occurrence is most likely responsible for the presenting signs? a.Gastrointestinal perforation may have occurred. b.The object may have been aspirated. c.The object may be lodged in the esophagus. d.The object may be embedded in stomach wall.

C (Gagging and drooling may be signs of esophageal obstruction. The child is unable to swallow saliva, which contributes to the drooling. Signs of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation include chest or abdominal pain and evidence of bleeding in the GI tract. If the object was aspirated, the child would most likely have coughing, choking, inability to speak, or difficulty breathing. If the object was embedded in the stomach wall, it would not result in symptoms of gagging and drooling.)

What procedure is most appropriate for assessment of an abdominal circumference related to a bowel obstruction? a. Measuring the abdomen after feedings b. Marking the point of measurement with a pen c. Measuring the circumference at the symphysis pubis d. Using a new tape measure with each assessment to ensure accuracy

B (Pen marks on either side of the tape measure allow the nurse to measure the same spot on the child's abdomen at each assessment. The child most likely will be kept NPO (nothing by mouth) if a bowel obstruction is present. If the child is being fed, the assessment should be done before feedings. The symphysis pubis is too low. Usually the largest part of the abdomen is at the umbilicus. Leaving the tape measure in place reduces the trauma to the child.)

A 3-day-old infant presents with abdominal distention, is vomiting, and has not passed any meconium stools. What disease should the nurse suspect? a. Pyloric stenosis b. Intussusception c. Hirschsprung disease d. Celiac disease

C (The clinical manifestations of Hirschsprung disease in a 3-day-old infant include abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium stools. Pyloric stenosis would present with vomiting but not distention or failure to pass meconium stools. Intussusception presents with abdominal cramping and celiac disease presents with malabsorption.)

A parent of an infant with gastroesophageal reflux asks how to decrease the number and total volume of emesis. What recommendation should the nurse include in teaching this parent? a. Surgical therapy is indicated. b. Place in prone position for sleep after feeding. c. Thicken feedings and enlarge the nipple hole. d. Reduce the frequency of feeding by encouraging larger volumes of formula.

C (Thickened feedings decrease the child's crying and increase the caloric density of the feeding. Although it does not decrease the pH, the number and volume of emesis are reduced. Surgical therapy is reserved for children who have failed to respond to medical therapy or who have an anatomic abnormality. The prone position is not recommended because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Smaller, more frequent feedings are more effective than less frequent, larger volumes of formula.)

The nurse is assisting a child with celiac disease to select foods from a menu. What foods should the nurse suggest? a. Hamburger on a bun b. Spaghetti with meat sauce c. Corn on the cob with butter d. Peanut butter and crackers

C (Treatment of celiac disease consists primarily of dietary management. Although a gluten-free diet is prescribed, it is difficult to remove every source of this protein. Some patients are able to tolerate restricted amounts of gluten. Because gluten occurs mainly in the grains of wheat and rye but also in smaller quantities in barley and oats, these foods are eliminated. Corn, rice, and millet are substitute grain foods. Corn on the cob with butter would be gluten free.)

The nurse is teaching parents about high-fiber foods that can prevent constipation. What foods should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Oranges b. Bananas c. Lima beans d. Baked beans e. Raisin bran cereal

C, D, E (Lima beans have 13.2 g of fiber in 1 cup, baked beans have 10.4 g of fiber in 1 cup, and raisin bran cereal has 7.3 g of fiber in 1 cup. One orange has only 3.1 g of fiber, and 1 banana has only 3.1 g of fiber, so they are not recommended as high-fiber foods.)

The nurse is preparing to admit a 10-year-old child with appendicitis. What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a.Fever b.Vomiting c.Tachycardia d.Flushed face e.Hyperactive bowel sounds

A, B, C (Clinical manifestations of appendicitis include fever, vomiting, and tachycardia. Pallor is seen, not a flushed face, and the bowel sounds are hypoactive or absent, not hyperactive.)

The nurse is teaching parents of a child with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease foods that can exacerbate acid reflux. What foods should be included in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.) a.Citrus b.Bananas c.Spicy foods d.Peppermint e.Whole wheat bread

A, C, D (Avoidance of certain foods that exacerbate acid reflux (e.g., caffeine, citrus, tomatoes, alcohol, peppermint, spicy or fried foods) can improve mild GER symptoms. Bananas and whole wheat bread will not exacerbate acid reflux.)

The nurse is preparing to admit a 6-year-old child with celiac disease. What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a.Steatorrhea b.Polycythemia c.Malnutrition d.Melena stools e.Foul-smelling stools

A, C, E (Clinical manifestations of celiac disease include impaired fat absorption (steatorrhea and foul-smelling stools) and impaired nutrient absorption (malnutrition). Anemia, not polycythemia, is a manifestation, and melena stools do not occur.)

A 6-month-old infant with Hirschsprung disease is scheduled for a temporary colostomy. What should postoperative teaching to the parents include? a. Dilating the stoma b. Assessing bowel function c. Limitation of physical activities d. Measures to prevent prolapse of the rectum

B (In the postoperative period, the nurse involves the parents in the care of the child with a temporary colostomy, allowing them to help with feedings and observe for signs of wound infection or irregular passage of stool (constipation or true incontinence). Some children will require daily anal dilatations in the postoperative period to avoid anastomotic strictures but not stoma dilatations. Physical activities should be encouraged. There is not a risk of prolapse of the rectum in Hirschsprung disease, just strictures.)

An infant with short bowel syndrome is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The practitioner has added continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube. The nurse recognizes this as important for which reason? a. Wean the infant from TPN the next day b. Stimulate adaptation of the small intestine c. Give additional nutrients that cannot be included in the TPN d. Provide parents with hope that the child is close to discharge

B (Long-term survival without TPN depends on the small intestine's ability to increase its absorptive capacity. Continuous enteral feedings facilitate the adaptation. TPN is indicated until the child is able to receive all nutrition via the enteral route. Before this is accomplished, the small intestine must adapt and increase in cell number and cell mass per villus column. TPN is formulated to meet the infant's nutritional needs. Continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube is a positive sign, but the infant's ability to tolerate increasing amounts of enteral nutrition is only one factor that determines readiness for discharge.)

What is a high-fiber food that the nurse should recommend for a child with chronic constipation? a.White rice b.Popcorn c.Fruit juice d.Ripe bananas

B (Popcorn is a high-fiber food. Refined rice is not a significant source of fiber. Unrefined brown rice is a fiber source. Fruit juices are not a significant source of fiber. Raw fruits, especially those with skins and seeds, other than ripe bananas, have high fiber.)

The nurse observes that a newborn is having problems after birth. What should indicate a tracheoesophageal fistula? a. Jitteriness b. Meconium ileus c. Excessive frothy saliva d. Increased need for sleep

C (Excessive frothy saliva is indicative of a tracheoesophageal fistula. The child is unable to swallow the secretions, so there are excessive amounts of saliva in the mouth. Jitteriness is associated with several disorders, including electrolyte imbalances. Meconium ileus is associated with cystic fibrosis. Increased need for sleep is not associated with a tracheoesophageal fistula.)

An infant had a gastrostomy tube placed for feedings after a Nissen fundoplication and bolus feedings are initiated. Between feedings while the tube is clamped, the infant becomes irritable, and there is evidence of cramping. What action should the nurse implement? a. Burp the infant. b. Withhold the next feeding. c. Vent the gastrostomy tube. d. Notify the health care provider.

C (If bolus feedings are initiated through a gastrostomy after a Nissen fundoplication, the tube may need to remain vented for several days or longer to avoid gastric distention from swallowed air. Edema surrounding the surgical site and a tight gastric wrap may prohibit the infant from expelling air through the esophagus, so burping does not relieve the distention. Some infants benefit from clamping of the tube for increasingly longer intervals until they are able to tolerate continuous clamping between feedings. During this time, if the infant displays increasing irritability and evidence of cramping, some relief may be provided by venting the tube. The next feeding should not be withheld, and calling the health care provider is not necessary.)

The nurse is caring for a child with Meckel diverticulum. What type of stool does the nurse expect to observe? a. Steatorrhea b. Clay colored c. Currant jelly-like d. Loose stools with undigested food

C (In Meckel diverticulum the bleeding is usually painless and may be dramatic and occur as bright red or currant jelly-like stools, or it may occur intermittently and appear as tarry stools. The stools are not clay colored, steatorrhea, or loose with undigested food.)

The nurse is caring for an infant who had surgical repair of a tracheoesophageal fistula 24 hours ago. Gastrostomy feedings have not been started. What do nursing actions related to the gastrostomy tube include? a. Keep the tube clamped. b. Suction the tube as needed. c. Leave the tube open to gravity drainage. d. Lower the tube to a point below the level of the stomach.

C (In the immediate postoperative period, the gastrostomy tube is open to gravity drainage. This usually is continued until the infant is able to tolerate feedings. The tube is unclamped in the postoperative period to allow for the drainage of secretions and air. Gastrostomy tubes are not suctioned on an as-needed basis. They may be connected to low suction to facilitate drainage of secretions. Lowering the tube to a point below the level of the stomach would create too much pressure.)

What should the nurse consider when providing support to a family whose infant has just been diagnosed with biliary atresia? a. The prognosis for full recovery is excellent. b. Death usually occurs by 6 months of age. c. Liver transplantation may be needed eventually. d. Children with surgical correction live normal lives.

C (Untreated biliary atresia results in progressive cirrhosis and death usually by 2 years of age. Surgical intervention at 8 weeks of age is associated with somewhat better outcomes. Liver transplantation is also improving outcomes for 10-year survival. Even with surgical intervention, most children require supportive therapy. With early intervention, 10-year survival rates range from 27% to 75%.)

The nurse is caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula. What should nursing care include? a. Feed glucose water only. b. Elevate the patient's head for feedings. c. Raise the patient's head and give nothing by mouth. d. Avoid suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic.

C (When a newborn is suspected of having a tracheoesophageal fistula, the most desirable position is supine with the head elevated on an inclined plane of at least 30 degrees. It is imperative that any source of aspiration be removed at once; oral feedings are withheld. The oral pharynx should be kept clear of secretions by oral suctioning. This is to prevent the cyanosis that is usually the result of laryngospasm caused by overflow of saliva into the larynx.)

A health care provider prescribes feedings of 1 to 2 oz Pedialyte every 3 hours and to advance to 1/2 strength Similac with iron as tolerated postoperatively for an infant who had a pyloromyotomy. The nurse should decide to advance the feeding if which occurs? a. The infant's IV line has infiltrated. b. The infant has not voided since surgery. c. The infant's mother states the infant is tolerating the feeding okay. d. The infant is taking the Pedialyte without vomiting or distention.

D (After a pyloromyotomy, feedings are usually instituted within 12 to 24 hours, beginning with clear liquids. They are offered in small quantities at frequent intervals. Supervision of feedings is an important part of postoperative care. The feedings are advanced only if the infant is taking the clear liquids without vomiting or distention. Feedings would not be advanced if the infant has not voided, the IV line becomes infiltrated, or the mother states the infant is tolerating the feedings.)

What term describes invagination of one segment of bowel within another? a. Atresia b. Stenosis c. Herniation d. Intussusception

D (Intussusception occurs when a proximal section of the bowel telescopes into a more distal segment, pulling the mesentery with it. The mesentery is compressed and angled, resulting in lymphatic and venous obstruction. Atresia is the absence or closure of a natural opening in the body. Stenosis is a narrowing or constriction of the diameter of a bodily passage or orifice. Herniation is the protrusion of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed.)

What clinical manifestation should be the most suggestive of acute appendicitis? a. Rebound tenderness b. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding c. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating d. Colicky, cramping, abdominal pain around the umbilicus

D (Pain is the cardinal feature. It is initially generalized, usually periumbilical. The pain becomes constant and may shift to the right lower quadrant. Rebound tenderness is not a reliable sign and is extremely painful to the child. Bright or dark red rectal bleeding and abdominal pain that is relieved by eating are not signs of acute appendicitis.)

A child who has just had definitive repair of a high rectal malformation is to be discharged. What should the nurse address in the discharge preparation of this family? a. Safe administration of daily enemas b. Necessity of firm stools to keep suture line clean c. Bowel training beginning as soon as the child returns home d. Changes in stooling patterns to report to the practitioner

D (The parents are taught to notify the practitioner if any signs of an anal stricture or other complications develop. Constipation is avoided because a firm stool will place strain on the suture line. Daily enemas are contraindicated after surgical repair of a rectal malformation. Fiber and stool softeners are often given to keep stools soft and avoid tension on the suture line. The child needs to recover from the surgical procedure. Then bowel training may begin, depending on the child's developmental and physiologic readiness.)

What intervention is contraindicated in a suspected case of appendicitis? a. Enemas b. Palpating the abdomen c. Administration of antibiotics d. Administration of antipyretics for fever

A (In any instance in which severe abdominal pain is observed and appendicitis is suspected, the nurse must be aware of the danger of administering laxatives or enemas. Such measures stimulate bowel motility and increase the risk of perforation. The abdomen is palpated after other assessments are made. Antibiotics should be administered, and antipyretics are not contraindicated.)

What statement best describes Hirschsprung disease? a.The colon has an aganglionic segment. b.It results in frequent evacuation of solids, liquid, and gas. c.The neonate passes excessive amounts of meconium. d.It results in excessive peristaltic movements within the gastrointestinal tract.

A (Mechanical obstruction in the colon results from a lack of innervation. In most cases, the aganglionic segment includes the rectum and some portion of the distal colon. There is decreased evacuation of the large intestine secondary to the aganglionic segment. Liquid stool may ooze around the blockage. The obstruction does not affect meconium production. The infant may not be able to pass the meconium stool. There is decreased movement in the colon.)

A child with acute gastrointestinal bleeding is admitted to the hospital. The nurse observes which sign or symptom as an early manifestation of shock? a. Restlessness b. Rapid capillary refill c. Increased temperature d. Increased blood pressure

A (Restlessness is an indication of impending shock in a child. Capillary refill is slowed in shock. The child will feel cool. The blood pressure initially remains within the normal range and then declines.)

After surgery yesterday for gastroesophageal reflux, the nurse finds that the infant has somehow removed the nasogastric (NG) tube. What nursing action is most appropriate to perform at this time? a. Notify the practitioner. b. Insert the NG tube so feedings can be given. c. Replace the NG tube to maintain gastric decompression. d. Leave the NG tube out because it has probably been in long enough.

A (When surgery is performed on the upper gastrointestinal tract, usually the surgical team replaces the NG tube because of potential injury to the operative site. The decision to replace the tube or leave it out is made by the surgical team. Replacing the tube is also usually done by the practitioner because of the surgical site.)

What statement is most descriptive of Meckel diverticulum? a. It is acquired during childhood. b. Intestinal bleeding may be mild or profuse. c. It occurs more frequently in females than in males. d. Medical interventions are usually sufficient to treat the problem.

B (Bloody stools are often a presenting sign of Meckel diverticulum. It is associated with mild to profuse intestinal bleeding. Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract and is present in 1% to 4% of the general population. It is more common in males than in females. The standard therapy is surgical removal of the diverticulum.)

Melena, the passage of black, tarry stools, suggests bleeding from which source? a. The perianal or rectal area b. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract c. The lower GI tract d. Hemorrhoids or anal fissures

B (Melena is denatured blood from the upper GI tract or bleeding from the right colon. Blood from the perianal or rectal area, hemorrhoids, or lower GI tract would be bright red.)

A child with pyloric stenosis is having excessive vomiting. The nurse should assess for what potential complication? a. Hyperkalemia b. Hyperchloremia c. Metabolic acidosis d. Metabolic alkalosis

D (Infants with excessive vomiting are prone to metabolic alkalosis from the loss of hydrogen ions. Potassium and chloride ions are lost with vomiting. Metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis, is likely.)

The nurse is preparing to admit a 2-month-old child with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a.Weight loss b.Bilious vomiting c.Abdominal pain d.Projectile vomiting e.The infant is hungry after vomiting

A, D, E (Clinical manifestations of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis include weight loss, projectile vomiting, and hunger after vomiting. The vomitus is nonbilious, and there is no evidence of pain or discomfort, just chronic hunger.)

14. When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, the nurse should be alert to recognize which sign or symptom as a manifestation of perforation? a. Anorexia b. Bradycardia c. Sudden relief from pain d. Decreased abdominal distention

C (Signs of peritonitis, in addition to fever, include sudden relief from pain after perforation. Anorexia is already a clinical manifestation of appendicitis. Tachycardia, not bradycardia, is a manifestation of peritonitis. Abdominal distention usually increases in addition to an increase in pain (usually diffuse and accompanied by rigid guarding of the abdomen).)

A child has a nasogastric (NG) tube after surgery for Hirschsprung disease. What is the purpose of the NG tube? a. Prevent spread of infection. b. Monitor electrolyte balance. c. Prevent abdominal distention. d. Maintain accurate record of output.

C (The NG tube is placed to suction out gastrointestinal secretions and prevent abdominal distention. The NG tube would not affect infection. Electrolyte content of the NG drainage can be monitored. Without the NG tube, there would be no drainage. After the NG tube is placed, it is important to maintain an accurate record of intake and output. This is not the reason for placement of the tube.)

The nurse is caring for a child admitted with acute abdominal pain and possible appendicitis. What intervention is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort during the evaluation? a. Place in the Trendelenburg position. b. Apply moist heat to the abdomen. c. Allow the child to assume a position of comfort. d. Administer a saline enema to cleanse the bowel.

C (The child should be allowed to take a position of comfort, usually with the legs flexed. The Trendelenburg position will not help with the discomfort. If appendicitis is a possibility, administering laxative or enemas or applying heat to the area is dangerous. Such measures stimulate bowel motility and increase the risk of perforation.)