Nursing alert Be alert for signs of toxic megacolon (spiking fever, abdominal
distention, and acute abdominal pain), which can lead to peritonitis and
hemorrhage.CHAPTER 11/ Gastrointestinal Conditions^239
- A father of an 8-month-old daughter who has been diagnosed with a cleft palate asks
why he has to give her water following every feeding. What is your best response?
a. The water stimulates the sucking reflex and helps develop her speech.
b. Food can become stuck in her mouth due to her cleft palate and become a breed-
ing ground for bacteria. The water flushes any food that remains in her mouth.
c. The water helps prevent her from swallowing air and thereby reducing vomiting
and the risk of aspiration.
d. It prevents choking.
Answer: - The mother of a child diagnosed with Crohn disease asks why her child is being
administered hydrocortisone. What is your best response?
a. Crohn disease is an inflammation of the GI tract. Hydrocortisone decreases the
body’s inflammation process and therefore reduces inflammation of the GI tract.
b. Hydrocortisone decreases the inflammation process and is given to prevent sec-
ondary inflammation of organs that assist in digestion.
c. Hydrocortisone decreases the inflammation process, thereby enabling strictures to
form to enhance digestion.
d. Hydrocortisone decreases the inflammation process, thereby enabling a fistula to
form to enhance digestion.
Answer:
✔ ROUTINE CHECKUP 2
Hepatitis
What Went Wrong?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver cells commonly caused by a virus
and can be an acute or chronic illness. Hepatitis may also be due to exposure
to drugs or toxins. There are seven types of hepatitis:
Hepatitis A is transmitted via an oral route, often due to contaminated
water or poor sanitation when traveling; it is also transmitted in day-
care settings and residential institutions. It can be prevented by vaccine.