Final Exam Flashcards
esophageal atresia
double end street, very small, picked up on sonogram
the upper esophagus does not connect to stomach
Tracheoesophageal Fistula is attributed to?
genetics, infection, teratogens but most often no cause is identifiable
what defects are esophageal atresias accompanied with?
vertebra, heart, kidneys, musculoskeletal and/or GI systems
nursing assessment of atresia
polyhydramnios which is the first sign because fetus is unable to swallow/absorb amniotic fluid in utero → causing accumulation
copious, frothy bubbles of mucus in mouth & nose with drooling (drooling newborn is not common normally)
Abdominal distention develops as air builds up in stomach
INFANT WILL LIKELY HAVE “THE THREE C’s”
the three Cs
for atresia
coughing, choking, and cyanosis with feeding
complications of fistula
respiratory complications such as pneumonitis and atelectasis
sounds congested
lungs take long to clear
call doc, we don’t diagnose!
nursing management of atresia and fistula
Prepare infant & parents for radiographic evaluation: Diagnosis made by XR, US or MRI
Upon diagnosis prepare for surgery if newborn stable
Needs IV, parenteral feedings, and surgery (esp with atresia, can’t absorb nutrients)
preop care for atresia and fistula
NPO, Elevate HOB, monitor hydration, administer parenteral IV, assess & maintain patency of orogastric tube (low suction), Oxygen & suctioning available, comfort measures to minimize crying & respiratory distress = non-nutritive sucking, educate parents and document infants condition frequently
postop care for atresia and fistula
Closely observe newborn’s body systems to identify complications, administer TPN & antibiotics until esophageal anastomosis is proven intact and patent.
Will be in the hospital for a while
Begin oral feedings, usually within 1 week of surgery
Keep parents informed of infants condition and progress
Assess feedings closely and report any difficulty with swallowing
Provide parental teaching → Demonstrate and Reinforce all teaching prior to infant discharge
omphalocele vs gastroschisis
omphalocele has sac
gastroschisis has no sac
omphalocele priorities
Bowel malrotation common, displaced organs usually normal
Associated with other anomalies
Heat loss! Keep everything nice and warm
gastroschisis priorities
exposure to amniotic fluid causes organs to be thick, edematous & inflamed → significant mortality and morbidity.
Usually seen on ultrasound
Protect the contents! Can’t touch it and introduce bacteria
Abdomen gets put in sterile bag (keeps it moist)
If you put them in a warmer, their bowel gets dry which is bad
Hypothermia and hypoglycemia are issues
Keep the bowel MOIST and STERILE
nursing assessment of gastro and omph
Diagnosed on prenatal US - helpful in planning for birth
Note appearance of protrusion and evidence of sac
Inspect sac for presence of organs - usually intestines but can include liver - careful to note any twisting of intestine (can lead to necrosis)
Note color of organs and size of sac
Most often associated with congenital anomalies involving cardiovascular, Genitourinary & Central Nervous System
Usually you have a heads up but if there’s no prenatal care, this is a surprise
nursing management*** of gastro and omph
prevent hypothermia! maintain perfusion to abdominal contents by minimizing fluid loss and protecting exposed contents
torso goes in sterile drawstring bowel bag
visualization of contents, reduce heat and moisture loss, allow radiant warmer heat to reach infant
orogastric tube on low suction to prevent distension
IV therapy and abx
monitor fluid status
report change in color or temp
postop care for gastro and omph
Surgical repair occurs after stabilization and evaluation - may occur in stages (not easy to repair)
Provide pain management, monitor respiratory & cardiac status, strict I/O monitoring, assess for vascular compromise, maintain orogastric suctioning, document amount and color of drainage, administer medications and treatments
BE ALERT FOR SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME (risk for FTT, malnutrition, etc)
anorectal formations
rectum may end in a blind pouch that does not connect to the colon or may have fistulas between the rectum & perineum (Vagina in females & Urethra in males)
BROWN PEE OR VAGINAL SECRETIONS
VACTERL syndrome
Vertebral, anorectal, cardiovascular, tracheoesophageal, renal and limb (Anomalies associated with Anorectal malformations)
surgery for high vs low type anorectal malformation
High type = Colostomy with revision later in growth
low type = close fistula, create anal opening & reposition of rectal pouch into the anal opening. Biggest challenge is both is finding, using, or creating adequate nerve/muscle structures around the rectum to provide for normal evacuation
nursing assessment of anorectal malformation
Observe for anal opening - if anal opening exists, observe for passage of meconium within first 24 hours
Assess for urine output to identify genitourinary problems
Common signs: Intestinal obstruction → Abdominal distension & bilious vomiting
Prepare infant & parents for US & abdominal XR
nursing management of anorectal malformations (preop)
Maintain NPO status & provide gastric decompression
Administer IV/antibiotic therapy
Monitor hydration status
Provide full explanation of defect, surgical options, potential complications, typical post-op course & long-term care need to the parents - prepare them for the need for ostomy - SUPPORT!!!!
nursing management of anorectal malformations (postop)
Pain relief
Maintain NPO & gastric decompression until normal bowel function restored
Provide ostomy care if applicable
Education of parents, return demonstration of ostomy care
common defects along with cleft lip/palate
heart defects, ear malformations, skeletal deformities & genitourinary abnormality
complications of cleft lip/palate
Feeding difficulties, altered dentition (teeth may not come in normally), delayed or altered speech development & chronic otitis media
cleft palate
Gagging, choking, and nasal regurgitation. Opening in palage contributes to fluid buildup in middle ear (otitis media with effusion) which can lead to infection or if not resolved hearing loss (temporary or permanent)
when are the clefts repaired
lip: 2-3m
palate: 6-9m
may need revision as child grows
nursing assessment of the clefts
Explore pregnancy risks including smoking, infection, advanced maternal age, use of meds in pregnancy
Inquire about feeding, respiratory difficulties as well as speech development and otitis media at office & hospital visits
Palpate palate with gloved finger to discover mild clefts
Make sure they don’t gag and choke during feedings
Don’t need bottle feedings (but if you do bottle you need a special one)! Breast also works great
Aspirating breast milk > aspirating formula
If they regurgitate milk from their nose, think cleft!
Have them suck finger to make sure they can
Bifid uvula needs further eval (branches off into two)
nursing management of the clefts
pain
nutrition (breastfeeding better, prosthodontic device as palate cover)
prevent suture line injury (side lying or supine, arm restraints)
bonding and support
what to avoid after cleft surgery
AVOID suction catheter, spoon, straw, pacifier or plastic syringe for cleft palate after revision (no type of additional pressure)
haberman feeder
CLEFT!!
LONG NIPPLE BOTTLE
hirschsprung disease
motility issue that results in obstruction
failure to pass meconium in 24h
lack of ganglion cells in intestine
more common in males
re-anastomosis of remaining intestine after bad part taken out
surgery occurs in stages
ostomy to let resected bowel heal before joining
nursing assessment of hirschsprung
Infant stool pattern is key to identification
If no meconium passed, may need rectal stimulation
Assess risk factors such as family history or Down Syndrome
Inspect abdomen for distention, palpate for presence of stool mass, perform rectal exam to assess tone & presence of stool - in Hirschsprung stool is usually not present However, it is possible that a child with Hirschsprung will have a forceful expulsion of meconium after finger is withdrawn following rectal exam
Barium enema may reveal intestinal narrowing
definitive diagnosis of hirschsprung
Rectal biopsy reveals absence of ganglion cells
postop/ostomy care for hirschsprung
close observation for enterocolitis
infant may have colostomy or ileostomy
ostomy care and skin breakdown
stool output
S&S of enterocolitis
Fever, abdominal distension, chronic diarrhea or explosive stools, rectal bleeding or straining. If noted notify provider immediately; maintain bowel rest, administer IV fluids and antibiotics to prevent shock and possibly death
complications after hirschsprung repair
Constipation, incontinence, diarrhea (short bowel)
treatment of Metatarsus Adductus & Clubfoot
stretching in mild cases and serial casting in severe cases before 8 months
fix before they start walking
4 categories of clubfoot
Postural: Short series of casting
Neurogenic: occurs in infants with myelomeningocele (spina bifida)
Syndromic is often resistant to treatment
Idiopathic occurs in otherwise normal infants
complications of clubfoot
deformity, rocker-bottom foot, awkward gait, lateral weight bearing & disturbance to epiphysis
management of clubfoot
Starts with weekly manipulation with serial casting, then casting every 2 weeks. Some infants require corrective shoes or bracing. Surgical release of soft tissue may be necessary in some infants - foot is immobilized in a cast for up to 12 weeks after surgery. Ankle-foot Orthoses (AFOs)/corrective shoes used for several years
Teach parents to look for redness, cool toes, skin integrity, etc
nursing assessment of clubfoot
family history of deformity or breech position
position of foot at rest
perform aROM
inability to move foot to normal position
XR shows bone abnormality and progress
nursing management of clubfoot
Perform neurovascular assessment & cast care
Make sure there’s good blood supply
Provide emotional support
Educate family about cast care and how to use orthotics & braces as prescribed
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
abnormality of the developing hip that can include dislocation, subluxation and dysplasia of the hip joint
Can be completely dislocated, subluxation is partial dislocation or in dysplasia the acetabulum is shallow or sloping instead of a cup shape.
Can affect one or both hips
More common in females
Breech presentation or oligohydramnios can contribute
complications of hip dysplasia
Avascular necrosis of femoral head, loss of ROM, recurrent hip instability, femoral nerve palsy, leg-length discrepancy & early osteoarthritis
nursing assessment of hip dysplasia
Obtain health history - family history, in utero risks, in undiagnosed cases older children complain of hip pain
Inspect asymmetry of thigh & gluteal folds (BIG sign)
Observe and document leg length discrepancy & trendelenburg gait, and limited abduction
Palpate through performing Barlow & ortolani tests to feel for a clunk
rule for hip dysplasia
WE HAVE 6 WEEKS TO TREAT
US in infants, US or XR in children 6 months & older
Moving the legs, feeling the click, have the child seen! But sometimes they wait until 6 weeks
Clicking can be normal within 1 hour of birth but NOT at 6 weeks
Breech and c section baby HAS to have ultrasound at 6 weeks
nursing management of hip dysplasia (pavlik harness)
Early recognition with early harnessing results in improved correction
Harness when started early continues for 3 months
Teach positioning for breastfeeding
Pavlik Harness: Keeps knees flexed & hips abducted to allow hips to grow normally (watch skin integrity!! Pressure ulcers, have a onesie on under this)
Keep harness on for most of the day. Remain compliant!
if pavlik harness doesn’t work?
In children older than 6 months or who do not improve with harness, surgical reduction is used
Post operative casting will be followed by bracing and orthotics
Pain management, monitoring for bleeding priority post op
Educate families about cast care and monitoring skin integrity
down syndrome
Associated with intellectual disability, characteristic facial features (slanted eyes and depressed nasal bridge) and other health problems such as cardiac defects, hearing and visual impairment, intestinal malformations and increased susceptibility to infections
therapeutic management of down syndrome
multiple disciplines: Primary Pediatrician, Cardiologist, ophthalmologist, gastroenterologist, PT, OT, speech, dietitians, psychologists, counselors, social workers, teachers and the parents. Focus is for optimal growth, development & function. Degree of disability & health issues varies greatly
managing complications of DS
congenital heart disease
High rate of constipation, celiac, hirschsprung & imperforate anus
some hearing loss - very susceptible to otitis media
eye disease
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Increased risk of thyroid disease, primarily hypothyroid but can also have hyperthyroid
Increased risk for hematologic issues, anemia, transient leukemia, leukemia & polycythemia
Higher susceptibility to infection
Increased rate of obesity and delayed dental eruptions
Nursing management of DS
Promote growth and development
Prevent complications
Promote Nutrition
Poor suck & feeding due to low muscle tone - does usually improve as child develops but it’s a big issue when they’re babies (FTT or insufficient weight gain)
High fiber intake due to lack of muscle tone decreases gastric motility → constipation
neural tube defects
Thought to be related to drugs, malnutrition, chemicals, genetics that hinder CNS development
Supplementation with Folic Acid recommended to decrease neural tube defects prenatally
Spina Bifida is used to refer to all neural tube defects affecting the spinal cord. Spina bifida occulta is a defect of vertebral bodies without protrusion of spinal cord or meninges - not visible externally - generally benign.
Look for dimpling, abnormal patches of hair or discoloration of skin at defect site
Spina Bifida Cystica is a more serious defect
meningocele
less serious form of cystica
meninges herniate through defect in vertebrae
minor to no neuro defects
surgical correction
nursing assessment of meningocele
At delivery assess for external sac protruding from spinal area - mostly in lumbar region but can be anywhere on spine. Assess neurologic status, make sure herniation is covered by skin
nursing management of meningocele
Supportive care. Report any leakage of cerebrospinal fluid ASAP. General pre and post operative care, prevent rupture of sac, prevent infection and provide adequate nutrition & hydration. Monitor head circumference due to associated cases of hydrocephalus & ICP
myelomeningocele
Most severe form of neural tube defect, the clinical term Spina Bifida refers most often to this defect. Newborn has high risk for meningitis, hypoxia and hemorrhage. In this case the spinal cord usually ends at site of defect which results in absent motor and sensory function beyond that point. Long-term complications are paralysis, orthopedic deformities, and bladder/bowel incontinence.
hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele
Hydrocephalus common as CSF flow is blocked - the lower the defect the lower the risk of hydrocephalus
treatment of myelomeningocele
Require multiple surgical procedures
Need frequent catheterizations which increases development of latex allergy, frequent UTI, kidney damage due to pyelonephritis & hydronephrosis
Self catheterization
Multidisciplinary approach - neurology, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, OT, PT, Rehab, intense nursing care
nursing assessment of myelomeningocele
Assess at delivery, note visible external sac, is there leaking CSF, is sac intact, what is newborns general appearance, assess neurologic status and for associated anomalies (hydrocephalus). Flaccid paralysis, absence of DTRs, lack of response to pain or touch stimuli, skeletal abnormalities such as clubfeet, dribbling of urine, and a relaxed anal sphincter may be found
Older children always inspect skin for breakdown and determine motor capabilities
nursing management of myelomeningocele
Prevent infection
Keep sac from drying out, prevent trauma or pressure. Use sterile antibiotic soaked gauze.
Infant in warmer, no blankets but keep sac moist
Promote Urinary and bowel Elimination
Sometimes can train through use of timed enemas
Promote adequate nutrition
may prevent holding, may need to feed infant on side
Prevent latex allergic reaction - latex free environment
Maintain skin integrity
prone position - monitor bony prominences, keep infant clean and dry from constant dribbling of urine/stool
myelomeningocele education
Teaching starts immediately, focus on positioning, preventing infection, feeding, monitoring for ICP, skin integrity, intermittent catheterization. As child gets older, family becomes experts in child’s care - respect & recognize family’s changing needs - refer for support
congenital heart disease (CHD)
will maybe require
cardiac cath or surgery
huge risk in DS
blue babies
complications of CHD
Heart failure, hypoxemia, growth restriction, developmental delay, failure to thrive, and pulmonary vascular disease
After birth, the transition from fetal life to newborn circulation causes major shifts in pressure within the chambers of the heart which are
Defects can cause hypoxemia, resulting in clubbing of fingers, polycythemia (excess RBCs), exercise intolerance, hypercyanotic spells, brain abscess & stroke (CVA)
Disorders with decreased pulmonary blood flow
Tetralogy of Fallot & Tricuspid Atresia
Expect hypoxemia
SHUNTING FROM RIGHT TO LEFT
low O2 sats, kidneys make more RBCs to compensate, polycythemia makes blood viscous and hard to pump
Disorders with increased pulmonary blood flow
PDA, ASD, VSD
Louder sound=smaller hole bc forced blood flow (loud is not always bad)
Can be missed in the first week
Watch for CHF after surgery (too much blood flow to lungs)
SHUNTING LEFT TO RIGHT
heart failure or RV hypertrophy
tachycardia/pnea, feeding issues, NO OXYGEN NEEDED
obstructive disorders
SWEATING WHILE EATING!!!
Coarctation of aorta, aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis
coarctation: different BPs, not on sonogram, does well then tanks after 2-3w
stenosis: closing/starting to impede blood flow
narrowing of major vessel. increased pressure building up back towards heart, increasing workload