Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Treatment

Insert an NG tube to reduce vomiting and decompress the GI tract.

Hydrostatic reduction of bowel: The bowel is moved back into position

using a barium solution, water-soluble contrast solution, or air pressure.

Surgery: Pulling the intussusceptions back into position or resectioning

the bowel if other treatments fail to resolve the intussusceptions.

Nursing alert Treatment must begin within 24 hours.

Nursing Intervention

Monitor vital signs.

Insert the NG tube as ordered and measure output.

Administer the enema as ordered.

Strict intake and output.

Postoperative care:

• Administer antibiotics


• Monitor signs of infection


• Monitor bowel sounds
  Explain the disorder and treatment to the family.

Nursing alert Intussusception is an emergency condition.

Pyloric Stenosis

What Went Wrong?

Pyloric stenosis is spasms of the pylorus muscle in the pyloric sphincter that

connects the stomach to the duodenum, causing the pyloric sphincter to

become inflamed and swell, thus preventing the stomach from emptying into

the duodenum. The cause is unknown and is seen in children between 1 and

6 months of age.

Signs and Symptoms

Projectile vomiting caused by reverse peristaltic and gastritis

No nausea

Blood-stained vomit caused by gastritis

Olive-shaped bulge below the right costal margin

Malnutrition

Poor weight gain

Normal appetite

Eats after vomiting

CHAPTER 11/ Gastrointestinal Conditions^245