EXAM 2 Flashcards
(55 cards)
What is the primary objective when analyzing assessment findings in children with gastrointestinal dysfunctions?
Recognize fluid/electrolyte imbalances and employ appropriate nursing interventions.
common GI motility disorders in children
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting (emesis)
- Hirschsprung Disease
- GERD/ GER
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Appendicitis
- Intussusception
- Celiac Disease
What is the most common intestinal parasite in children?
Giardiasis: protozoan (Giardia intestinalis)
Teaching plan for prevention of intestinal parasitic disease:
- Always wash hands and fingernails with soap and water before eating and handling food and after toileting.
- Avoid placing fingers in mouth and biting nails.
- Discourage children from scratching bare anal area.
- Use superabsorbent disposable diapers to prevent leakage.
- Change diapers as soon as soiled and dispose of diapers in closed receptacle out of children’s reach.
- Do not rinse cloth or disposable diapers in toilet.
- Disinfect toilet seats and diaper-changing areas; use dilute household bleach (10% solution) or ammonia (Lysol) and wipe clean with paper towels.
- Drink only treated water or bottled water, especially if camping.
- Wash all raw fruits and vegetables and food that have fallen on the floor.
- Avoid growing foods in soil fertilized with human or untreated animal excreta.
- Teach children to defecate only in a toilet, not on the ground.
- Keep dogs and cats away from playgrounds and sandboxes.
- Avoid swimming in pools frequented by diapered children.
- Wear shoes outside.
How can clinical manifestations of appendicitis
Appendicitis
* RLQ abdominal pain {rebound pain at McBurney’s Point}
* low-grade fever (<100ºF)
* rigid abd
* decreased or absent bowel sounds
* vomiting (typically follows onset of pain)
* constipatipon or diarrhea
* nausea/ anorexia
* tachycardia
* rapid, shallow breathing
* pallor
* lethargy
* irritability
* stooped posture
* sudden pain relief (may indicate rupture/ perforation, which will lead to peritonitis)
What are the two types of sodium imbalances?
- Hyponatremia
- Hypernatremia
Where is potassium primarily found in the body?
Intracellular fluid (ICF).
What are the two types of potassium imbalances?
- Hypokalemia
- Hyperkalemia
Infants and young children have a greater need for what? And are more vulnerable to alternations in what?
- water
- fluid and electrolyte balance
What defines dehydration in children?
total output > total intake
What are common causes of dehydration?
- Reduced oral intake
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Burns
What is the initial compensatory mechanism in dehydration?
ICF moves to ECF to conserve intravascular volume
What is Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) used for?
treating mild to moderate dehydration in children
- is less expensive
* involves fewer complications than therapy (IV)
Therapeutic Managment of Mild to Moderate Dehydration
- Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT)
- Child is awake, alert, and not in danger
- Pedialyte (popsicles- avoid red)
- Mild (50 mL/ kg of Oral Rehydration Solution)
- Moderate (100mL/ kg of Oral Rehydration Solution)
Therapeutic Management
IV Fluid Therapy
What is the definition of diarrhea?
Passage of loose, watery, and unformed stools.
What are the types of diarrhea based on location?
- Gastroenteritis
- Enteritis
- Colitis
- Enterocolitis
What differentiates acute diarrhea from chronic diarrhea?
Acute: Sudden onset; Chronic: Duration of > 14 days.
What is the most common cause of diarrhea in children under 5 years?
Rotavirus.
What should be monitored in a child with acute diarrhea?
- Electrolyte levels
- Skin integrity
- Signs and symptoms of dehydration
What is constipation defined as?
Infrequent and difficult passage of dry, hardened stool.
What is encopresis?
Constipation with fecal incontinence.
What dietary management is recommended for constipation?
- High fiber diet
- Adequate fluid intake
- Exercise
What are the main concerns when a child is vomiting?
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Aspiration
