Esophageal atresia

Question 1

in esophageal atresia, why can’t the saliva make it to the stomach?

Answer 1

the esophagus ends in a blind pouch (closed off int he bottom and not connecting to the stomach like it should)

Question 2

why do babies with esophageal atresia not have meconium?

Answer 2

they never swallowed any amniotic fluid

Question 3

How are babies with tracheoesphageal fistula or esophageal atresia usually fed?

Answer 3

with a gastrostomy tube (straight into the stomach)

Question 4

when studying gtracheoesophageal fitula (opening betwen trachea and esophagus), what are the 3 Cs?

Answer 4

coughing
choking
cyanosis

if you have this and you drink liquids, these 3 cs will happen

Question 5

why should you watch baby’s first feeding so closely?

Answer 5

we want to observe for any signs of the 3 Cs

that’s why the first feeding needs to be sterile.. sterile water or breast milk because if they do aspirate it needs to be sterile

Question 6

with tracheoesophageal fistula, the type where there is a connection between the esophagus and trachea, , what would the top nursing DX be?

Answer 6

potential for aspiration

Question 7

Before corrective surgery of a trache fistula, the infant is placed on his back with his shoulders and head elevated. why?

Answer 7

we want the secretions to pool in the bases of the lower esophagus

Question 8

why is it uncommon for a mother to have polyhydramnios with infants that have GI tract problems?

Answer 8

the baby never swallowed any amniotic fluid

Question 9

with imperforate anus, there is no rectal opening. therefore, the baby will not pass the ___

Answer 9

meconium