Pediatrics
Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders
Overview
Gastrointestinal disorders in children range from acute dehydration and infections to structural anomalies requiring surgery. Because infants have a high metabolic rate and higher surface-area-to-mass ratio, they are at significant risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Nursing priorities include maintaining hydration, promoting nutrition, and assessing for signs of obstruction.
Key nursing concepts
- Dehydration occurs rapidly in infants due to higher body water percentage.
- Structural defects like cleft lip require surgical intervention and feeding modifications.
- Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis typically appears between 3 to 5 weeks of age.
- Intussusception involves the telescoping of one portion of the intestine into another.
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common but must be monitored for poor growth.
- Hirschsprung disease leads to mechanical obstruction from inadequate motility.
Important nursing considerations
- Monitor for the classic triad of intussusception: abdominal pain, mass, and currant jelly stools.
- Assess for projectile vomiting and a palpable olive-shaped mass in pyloric stenosis.
- Maintain NPO status and initiate IV fluids for children with acute appendicitis.
- Observe for the first meconium stool; delay may indicate Hirschsprung disease.
- Perform daily weights and monitor intake/output for children with dehydration.
- Use oral rehydration solution (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration, not plain water.
Patient teaching
- Teach parents to avoid giving fruit juices or soda to children with diarrhea.
- Instruct on the 'upright' feeding position for infants with reflux or cleft lip.
- Explain that a child with pyloric stenosis will be 'hungry' immediately after vomiting.
- Show caregivers how to monitor for sunken fontanels as a sign of dehydration.
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Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders flashcards
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Original NursGuru study notes for exam preparation. Pending educator review — always follow your program, current guidelines and institutional policy.