GI Dysfunction Flashcards
dehydration
A common body disturbance in infants and children, total output of fluid exceeds total intake
mild dehydration percentage loss in infant and children
loss of less than 5% in infants and 3% in children
moderate dehydration percentage loss in infant and children
loss of 5%-10% in infants and 3%-6% in children
severe dehydration percentage loss in infant and children
loss of more than 10% in infants and 6% in older children
predictors of fluid loss
oChange in level of consciousness
oAltered response to stimuli
oDecreased skin elasticity and turgor
oProlonged cap refill
oIncreased heart rate
oSunken eyes and fontanels
what is usually the earliest sign of dehydration
tachycardia
therapeutic management for mild-moderate dehydration
*Oral rehydration over 4 to 6 hours
therapeutic management for sever dehydration
*IV fluids to expand fluid volume and replace deficits
acute diarrhea
sudden increase in frequency and a change in consistency of stools, often caused by an infectious agent in the GI tract
chronic diarrhea
increase in stool frequency and increased water content with a duration of more than 14 days
most pathogens that cause diarrhea are spread by…
the fecal-oral route from person to person
Close contact (day care centers)
What is the most important cause of serious gastroenteritis among children
rotavirus
management for diarrhea
oOral rehydration therapy
oEarly reintroduction to a normal diet is recommended
oEducation regarding s/s of dehydration
oSkin care to prevent excoriation
oEducation regarding prevention measures
constipation
*An alteration in the frequency, consistency, or ease of passing stool
constipation is often associated with
oBlood-streaked or retained stool
oAbdominal pain
oLack of appetite
oStool incontinence
Encopresis
oRepeated and involuntary defecation in a child older than 4, may be the result of constipation
management of constipation and encopresis
high fiber diet, exercise, regular toileting habits after meals, stool softeners, emotional support - helping child to feel in control
Hirschsprung Disease
Lack of innervation often in lower portion of bowel, no peristaltic waves causing chronic constipation above this area, megacolon
*Rectal sphincter fails to relax - Ribbon-like stool from passing through the narrow segment
treatment of Hirschsprung Disease
1) One-stage surgical treatment - transanal pull-through OR
(2)Colostomy (temporary) and then removal of aganglionic section
Hirschsprung Disease is most commonly seen in
neonate, 4x more common in males
clinical manifestations of Hirschsprung Disease in neonates
Failure to pass meconium within 24-48 hours of birth, bilious vomiting
clinical manifestations of Hirschsprung Disease in infancy & children
constipation, recurrent diarrhea, ribbon-like, foul-smelling stool, failure to thrive
diagnosis for Hirschsprung Disease
Rectal biopsy to detect absence of ganglion cells is definitive diagnosis
post of for surgery of Hirschsprung Disease
assess site, NPO until bowel sounds return, IV fluids, may require daily anal dilations
Gastroesophageal Reflux
*The presence of abnormal amounts of gastric contents in the esophagus, upper airways, and tracheobronchial area.
resulting effects of Gastroesophageal Reflux
oAspiration of gastric contents
oRecurrent pneumonia
oPulmonary disease
oEsophagitis
oEsophageal stricture
conservative treatment for GERD
oFeeding thickened formula
oFeeding small, frequent meals
oPositioning - elevating head of the bed
oAcid suppression and neutralization medications (Zantac, Prevacid, Prilosec)
surgical treatment for GERD
Nissan fundoplication (Upper end of stomach (fundus) is wrapped around the lower portion (inferior) of the esophagus creating a lower esophageal sphincter or cardiac sphincter)
how long should an infant be held upright after a feeding for GERD
30 minutes following a feeding
when should a PPI be administered
30 minutes before breakfast and if a second dose is prescribed - 30 minutes before the evening meal.
teaching for PPIs
Remind parents that they may not see results right away as it takes several days for a steady state of acid suppression.
early symptoms of appendicitis
oAnorexia,
oChild doesn’t seem “normal”,
oN&V, fever
oPain is diffuse at first then gradually localizes to RLQ (rebound tenderness)
*MCBURNEYS POINT
oIf pain is suddenly relieved without intervention, suspect perforation
McBurney’s point
a point midway between the anterior superior iliac crest and the umbilicus, pain indicating appendicitis
how long does antibiotics last for peritonitis
7-14 days of abx
pre op for appendicitis
oNPO, IV therapy
oPosition of comfort
oPrepare for surgery
post op for appendicitis
oMonitor VS
oMaintain IV and then advance diet as tolerated
oAssess for pain
oEncourage ambulation
oMonitor incisional site(s)
oDischarge teaching
management for Ruptured Appendix (Peritonitis)
*IV antibiotics
*NPO, NG tube to low continuous suctioning
*May have a drain placed in surgery
*Pain management
*Longer hospital stay
Crohn’s Disease
*An inflammatory and ulcerative disease affecting any part of the alimentary tract from the mouth to the anus.
*Affects the full-thickness of the intestine
*Inflammation “skips” - disease free areas are common
manifestions of chrons
*Diarrhea, occult blood (if colon involved)
*Cramping abdominal pain aggravated by eating
*Growth retardation
*Weight loss and fatigue
*Intestinal blockage
treatment for Crohn’s Disease
oCorticosteroid therapy to induce remission
oAntibiotics to eradicate inflammatory bacterial agents
oInfliximab therapy (tumor necrosis factor blocker)
oImmunosuppressives
oNo known cure
oMay require an ileostomy or colostomy