Gastrointestinal Blueprint Flashcards
(100 cards)
How should we be able to tx mild and moderate dehydration?
orally
in mild/moderate dehydration, nausea and vomiting can make it very difficult to tx pt orally. What is the priority?
priority is to keep these from progressing to severe dehydration (explain to parents)
If they have N/V, try to give them even as little as 1 tsp of fluid at a time, or have them suck on popsicle anything to prevent severe
Normally, how many wet diapers should a child have in 24 hours when they have dehydration?
3 wet diapers in a 24 hr period so roughly every 8 hours
If you have a child who is already slowing down urine production and refusing to drink, now it will get to the point of what? what should parents do?
severe dehydration
parents need to make a plan to go to hospital or doctors office
What is severe dehydration?
Occurs when the loss of water exceeds the loss of electrolytes → leads to an imbalance where the ECF has a higher concentration of solutes (like sodium) than normal.
Na+ > 150mEq/L
This results in a higher osmolarity in the blood, causing fluid to shift from the intracellular space to the extracellular space in an attempt to balance the osmotic pressure.
What causes severe dehydration?
(not on blueprint but she said in her announcement)
This can happen due to excessive fluid loss (through vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake) or due to high intake of salt or other solutes without enough water.
What are the signs and sx of severe dehydration?
(not on blueprint but she said in her announcement)
The child might show signs like increased thirst, dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, lethargy, and irritability.
Can lead to neurological changes → confusion or seizures because of the altered osmolarity affecting brain function.
What do we not want to do when managing severe dehydration with IV fluids?
Why?
Do not want to rehydrate too quickly!!
Bc there’s a risk of causing cerebral edema (swelling of the brain). This happens because the sudden influx of water into the bloodstream could cause water to shift back into the cells too quickly, particularly in the brain, where cells are sensitive to osmotic changes.
What should be avoided when initially giving IV fluids for severe dehydration?
Initially avoid potassium replacement!!
what fluid is used to tx severe dehydration? why?
Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride)
It is isotonic, meaning it has a similar concentration of sodium and water to that of normal blood plasma (which means it will not drastically alter the balance of sodium in the blood.)
It is used to gradually expand the extracellular fluid volume without introducing significant shifts in osmolarity.
What is the goal in treating severe dehydration?
slowly rehydrate the child without making their sodium levels drop too quickly
what could happen if we used hypotonic fluids to tx hypertonic severe dehydration?
If hypotonic fluids (like water or 0.45% saline) were used too early, they could cause the cells to absorb too much water, increasing the risk of cerebral edema.
What should the fluid replacement rate be when treating severe dehydration?
replace the fluid over 48 hours or longer, depending on the severity.
What is intussusception?
Telescoping or invagination of one portion of intestine into another
Portion of the intestine folds like a telescope
intussusception is the most common cause of what?
intestinal obstruction in children 3 mos to 3 y/o
What is the cause of intussusception?
unknown
what gender experiences intussusception more?
Boys
The diagnosis of intussusception is based on what? (hint: 3)
Subjective findings
Ultrasound
Enema
List the common S&S of intussusception (hint: 11)
- Severe abdominal pain: sudden onset → have periods of relief
- Loud crying episodes
- Bilious Vomitus
- Drawing knees to chest
- Abdominal Mass: palpable sausage- shaped mass in RUQ
- Stools mixed with blood & mucus: Jelly-like stool; “Red currant jelly”
- Lethargy
- Not feeding well
- May show signs of dehydration
- Intermittent change in mental status
- Pain is so bad they nearly pass out
What is included in the therapeutic procedures for intussusception? (hint: 4)
- IV bolus
- Pain medications: Analgesics to manage the pain temporarily
- Enema
- NGT
What is the purpose of enemas in intussusception?
Manage pain first esp. In older child
Air or contrast to allow telescoping to move back into the right place
When is surgery required for intussusception? What are the two types called?
Required for recurrent intussusception (complication) → that is not reduced through enema
Types:
- Laparotomy
- Laparoscopy
What is the main concern in a child with cleft lip?
Feeding is the main concern → need to make sure the baby gas a good seal so they can suck and take in enough volume
What is the surgical tx for cleft lip?
cheiloplasty performed at 2-3 months of age