Title: Gastrointestinal Alterations
1Gastrointestinal Alterations
- NUR 264
- Pediatrics
- Angela J. Jackson, RN, MSN
2Developmental Differences
- GI system of the newborn very ineffective because
of immaturity - Sucking and swallowing automatic reflexes until
nerves and muscles develop by 6 weeks of age - Newborn stomach capacity 10 -20ml, expanding to
200ml by one month of age and to adult capacity
of 2000-3000ml by late adolescence - Peristalsis is greater in the infant, emptying
time of the stomach 2-3hrs in the newborn
increases to 3-6hrs by one to two months of age
3Developmental Differences
- Infants metabolic rate is faster than an adults.
Infants require 100calories per kg, adults
require 30-40 calories per kg - Regurgitation common in infants (relaxed cardiac
sphincter tone) - Length of small intestine is proportionally
greater in an infant, six times the body length - Infants secretes more fluids and electrolytes
into the intestine than the adult - Large intestines of the infant are
proportionately shorter than an adults,
resulting in less epithelial lining available for
absorption of water
4Developmental Differences
- Liver function is immature at birth. Toxic
substances are inefficiently detoxified and
medications are inefficiently processed. - Infants are deficient in several digestive
enzymes, including amylase (carbohydrate
digestion), lipase (fat absorption), trypsin
(protein digestion) - Infants intestines are more permeable to
proteins, allowing passage of protein into the
bloodstream, increasing susceptibility to food
protein allergens
5Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
6Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
- Most common craniofacial malformation
- Cleft lip Simple notch in vermillion border of
lip to complete opening extending to floor of the
nose. May be unilateral or bilateral - Cleft palate Fissure or small opening to
complete opening between mouth and nasal cavity.
May be isolated or occur with cleft lip
7Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Etiology
- Mulitfactorial Genetic increased incidence in
families - Environmental factors Drugs (anticonvulsants),
alcohol, smoking, maternal illness, infection,
folic acid deficiency, parental age
8Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Etiology
- Cleft lip with or without palate more common in
males - Cleft palate more common in females
9Cleft Lip Complications
- Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
- Facial disfigurement may cause shock, guilt and
grief for the parents and may block parental
bonding with the child - Cleft Lip
- Abnormal development of external nose, nasal
cartilages, nasal septum, usually nose is
flattened - Dental anomalies missing, malpositioned teeth on
side of abnormality
10Cleft Palate Complications
- Cleft Palate
- Infants have feeding problems because they are
unable to develop suction due to opening between
mouth and nasal cavity. - Increases the risk of aspiration the increased
open space in the mouth causes some formula to
exit through the nose - Increases the risk of upper respiratory
infection and otitis media
11Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Diagnosis
- Prenatal by ultrasound (may be seen by 13 to 16
weeks gestation) - Apparent on assessment at birth
- Unable to generate negative pressure in oral
cavity to suck and may impair ability to swallow
resulting in feeding difficulties
12Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Therapeutic Management
- Multidisciplinary care plastic surgeon,
neurosurgeon, orthodontist, otolaryngologist,
speech pathologist, pediatrician - Surgical closure of Cleft Lip 3 months or 12
pounds - Palate prosthesis may be used prior to surgery
for a cleft palate. Cleft palate surgery is done
before child develops faulty speech patterns
(approximately 12 - 18 months)
13Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Therapeutic Management
- Prevention of complications infection, speech
difficulties, malocclusion problems, hearing
problems - Facilitation of parent-child bonding, normal
growth and development, speech and language
development
14Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Nursing Management
- Newborn assessment assess ability to suck,
swallow and feed - Assess parents reaction to infant
- Teach feeding pre and post op Feed in an upright
position, use soft, elongated nipple, frequent
burping, prevent aspiration, adequate nutrition,
breastfeeding - Monitor weight gain
- Postop care Logan bow, restraints, pain
medication, cleansing wound site and mouth,
positioning (side or supine for cleft lip, side
or prone for cleft palate) - Discharge teaching and Home care planning
feeding, suture care, restraints, pain management
and follow-up
15Esophageal Atresia (EA) and Tracheoesophageal
Fistula (TEF)
16EA TEF
- Failure of esophagus to develop as a continuous
passage to the stomach and failure of the
esophagus and trachea to separate into distinct
structures
17EA TEF Clinical Manifestations
- Frothy saliva in mouth
- Drooling, coughing and choking
- Sudden coughing, gagging at feedings. Feeding
comes out of the nose and mouth, becomes cyanotic
and stops breathing as feeding is aspirated - When the trachea joins the stomach, the stomach
becomes distended with air
18EA TEF Diagnosis
- Polyhydramnios should suggest the possibility of
a high gastrointestinal obstruction - Inability to identify fetal stomach bubble on a
prenatal ultrasound - Inability to pass a nasogastric tube into the
stomach - Radiographic studies curling of NG tube in upper
esophagus, air in the stomach
19EA TEF Therapeutic Management
- Maintain a patent airway
- Prevent pneumonia
- Gastric or blind pouch decompression
- Surgical repair as soon as possible
- Preferably, surgical repair is done in one stage,
but may have to be done in two stages, based on
infants condition - 1st stage Close TEF and insert gastrostomy tube
- 2nd stage Connect ends of esophagus
20EA TEF Nursing Considerations
- Preoperative care
- Maintain patent airway have suction available
- Thermoregulation
- Insert NG tube for gastric decompression
- Keep NPO
- Establish IV access to maintain hydration
21EA TEF Nursing Considerations
- Postoperative care
- Maintain patent airway
- Prevent trauma to the anastomosis
- Elevate gastrostomy tube and keep open to allow
gas to escape and gastric secretions to flow into
the small intestine - Provide emotional support to family, encourage
bonding - Teach parents gastrostomy care, signs of
infection, signs of esophageal stricture
22Gastroschisis and Omphalocele
23Gastroschisis
- Extrusion of the large and small intestine
through a defect in the abdominal wall to the
right of the umbilical cord. The bowel has no
covering membrane, and is exposed to the amniotic
fluid
24Omphalocele
- Herniation of abdominal contents through the
umbilical cord. The bowel is covered by a
protective sac, and the size of the defect is
variable, ranging from 1cm to all of the
abdominal contents
25Gastroschisis and Omphalocele Diagnosis
- Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (elevated)
- Prenatal Ultrasound
26Gastroschisis and Omphalocele Therapeutic
Management
- Cover exposed contents loosely with sterile
saline-soaked pads and plastic drape to prevent
water loss, drying and temperature instability.
Gastroschisis be careful not to wrap around
bowel can cause pressure necrosis as exposed
bowel expands - IV fluids
- Antibiotics
- Surgical closure primary or staged repair
27Gastroschisis and Omphalocele Surgical Closure
- Primary closure All of the exposed bowel is
placed inside the abdominal cavity and the
abdomen is closed during a single procedure - Staged repair When the abdominal cavity is not
large enough to contain all of the exposed bowel,
the abdominal wall is stretched and a silo is
created. The edges of the abdominal wall are
sutured to plastic sheeting that is then
suspended with mild tension to the top of the
incubator. The silo and the suture lines are
covered with providone-iodine to prevent
infection. The silo is gently compressed on a
daily basis until all of the exposed bowel is
enclosed in the abdominal cavity. This process
takes several days (7-10) to complete. Once all
of the exposed bowel is contained within the
abdominal cavity, the silo is removed and the
abdominal wall is closed
28Gastroschisis and OmphalocelePotential
Complications
- Postoperative complications respiratory distress
due to increased abdominal pressure, infection,
intestinal obstruction, vena cava compression
resulting in decreased blood flow to extremities,
evisceration, intestinal volvulus
29Gastroschisis and Omphalocele Nursing
Considerations
- Preoperatively careful handling and positioning,
prevent infection, thermoregulation, assess
respiratory status, fluid replacement - Postoperatively mechanical ventilation, IV
fluids, TPN, antibiotics, monitor for signs of
complications, assess bowel function - Family support, discharge teaching parenteral
nutrition, oral stimulation, signs of bowel
obstruction, follow-up care
30Biliary Atresia
- Absence of bile duct or obstruction of bile duct
prevents flow of bile from the liver to the
gallbladder and small intestine - Bile accumulates in the liver and bile plugs form
- Inflammation, edema and irreversible liver injury
occur, resulting in fibrosis of the liver - Causes excretion of bilirubin and bile salts in
the urine
31Biliary Atresia Clinical Manifestations
- Jaundice, developing between 2 weeks and 2 months
of age - Tea colored urine due to bilirubin and bile salt
excretion - Light colored stools due to absence of bile
pigments - Hepatomegaly
- Abdominal distention
- Bruising due to prolonged bleeding time
- Intense itching
- Failure-to-thrive, malnutrition as fat and
fat-soluble vitamins can not be absorbed
32Biliary Atresia Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosed by ultrasound, liver biopsy and
increased bilirubin levels - Fatal without treatment
- Surgery hepatic portoenterostomy (Kasai
procedure, formation of a substitute duct) to
correct obstruction and allow for drainage of
bile from liver into intestines - Surgery is not a cure end stage liver disease
may result in need for liver transplant
33Biliary Atresia Nursing Considerations
- Monitor nutrition fat soluble vitamin
supplements, TPN, Intralipids, daily weights - Monitor IO, stool patterns
- Good skin care
- Discharge teaching (nutrition, skin care, support
groups, signs of rejection)
34Diaphragmatic Hernia
- Herniation of the abdominal contents through a
defect in the diaphragm into the chest cavity and
usually develops on the left side - Intestines and abdominal structures enter the
thoracic cavity, compressing the lung
35Diaphragmatic Hernia Clinical Manifestations
- Severe respiratory distress
- Cyanosis, tachypnea, retractions
- Decreased or absent breath sounds on the side of
the defect - Barrel-shaped chest
- Heart sounds shifted to the right
- Bowel sounds heard over the chest
- Scaphoid abdomen
36Diaphragmatic Hernia Diagnosis
- Prenatal ultrasound
- Chest x-ray
37Diaphragmatic Hernia Treatment
- Respiratory support O2, intubation, No Bag/Mask
ventilation, pulse oximeter - Blood gases to monitor acid-base status
- Jet ventilator or High frequency ventilation for
severe respiratory distress - ECMO (extra corporeal membrane oxygenation)
38Diaphragmatic Hernia Treatment
- Position head and thorax higher than abdomen,
place on affected side - IV fluids
- NG tube to decompress stomach/intestines
- Medications
- Opoids (Fentanyl) or paralyzing agents
(pancuronium) if agitated - Isotropic (Dopamine) for blood pressure support
and improve cardiac output - Surfactant to improve oxygenation
- Sodium bicarbonate to prevent acidosis
39Diaphragmatic Hernia Treatment
- Surgical repair
- Fetal surgery
- Post-birth surgery return abdominal contents to
abdomen and close defect in diaphragm
40Diaphragmatic Hernia Nursing Considerations
- Preoperative care stabilization
- Postoperative care
- Position on affected side to facilitate expansion
of unaffected lung - Maintain respiratory support
- IV fluids, fluid and electrolyte balance
- Stress reduction
- Prevent infection
- Pain management
- Chest tube care
- Family support, promote bonding
- Discharge teaching (wound care, feedings,
prevention of infection)
41Anorectal Malformations
- Congenital anomalies of the anus and rectum
caused by abnormal development - Imperforate anus any abnormality without an
obvious opening may have a fistula from rectum
to perineum or GI tract
42Anorectal Malformation Clinical Manifestations
- No anal opening
- Failure to pass meconium within 24 hours after
birth - Passing meconium through the urethra or vagina
43Anorectal Malformations Diagnosis
- External physical exam
- X-rays with contrast
- Abdominal ultrasound
44Anorectal Malformations Treatment
- Anal stenosis manual dilations
- Imperforate anal membrane excise membrane and
manual dilations - Perineal fistula Anoplasty and dilations
- High or intermediate malformations Colostomy,
repair defects between 6-12 months
45Anorectal malformations Nursing Considerations
- Complete assessment at birth
- Rectal temperature
- Asses for passage of meconium stool
- Preoperative care assist with diagnostic
evaluation, IV fluids, gastrointestinal
decompression
46Anorectal Malformations Nursing Considerations
- Postoperative care
- perineal care, protective ointments and dressings
to protect skin - Positioning side-lying with hips elevated or
supine with legs elevated to prevent pressure on
perineal sutures - Colostomy care
- NG tube for abdominal decompression
- IV fluids ( feedings begin when peristalsis
returns) - Family support
- Discharge teaching perineal and wound care,
prevention of constipation, colostomy care,
delayed toilet training, manual dilations,
observe for complications, follow-up care
47Pyloric Stenosis
- An increasing hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the
circular muscle at the pylorus, narrows the
pyloric canal. Most commonly seen in male
infants between ages 1 and 6 months - Hypertrophy eventually obstructs the pylorus
opening. Obstruction results in inability of
food to pass out of the stomach, causing vomiting
48Pyloric Stenosis Clinical Manifestations
- Vomiting beginning at 3-6 weeks of age. Infant
begins to regurgitate small amounts of formula
immediately after feeding, which progresses to
projectile vomiting - Vomiting can occur during feedings, after
feedings or several hours later - Infant will be hungry after vomiting and will
accept a second feeding - Failure to gain weight
- Sign and symptoms of dehydration
- Palpable olive-shaped mass in right upper
quadrant - Visible peristaltic waves
49Pyloric Stenosis Diagnosis
- History and physical
- UGI
- Ultrasound
50Pyloric Stenosis Treatment
- Correct electrolyte imbalances and dehydration
- Pyloromyotomy split the muscle to make the
opening larger
51Pyloric Stenosis Nursing Considerations
- Record emesis frequency, characteristics,
relationship to feedings - IO
- Daily weights
- Pre-op care correct electrolytes, hydration,
insert NG tube, family teaching
52Pyloric Stenosis Nursing Considerations
- Post-op care
- IV fluids
- Begin feedings as ordered
- Place on right side with head elevated after
feeding - Monitor IO
- Monitor labs
- Wound care observe for drainage, redness, change
dressings as ordered - Pain management
- Discharge teaching Wound care, S/S of infection,
feeding
53Intussusception
- Invagination or telescoping of one portion of
intestine into another portion of intestine, most
common site is the ileocecal valve
54Intussusception Clinical Manifestations
- Acute, colicky abdominal pain screaming and
drawing knees to chest - Non-bilious vomiting in early stage, becomes bile
stained - Blood and mucus in the stool (currant jelly
stools) - Sausage-shaped mass in right upper quadrant
- Abdomen is tender, distended
- Lethargy, fever, weak thready pulse, shallow
respirations
55Intussusception Diagnosis
- Barium or air contrast enema x-rays
- Abdominal ultrasound
56Intussusception Treatment
- Non-surgical hydrostatic reduction with barium,
water-soluble contrast or air enema - Surgical intervention if there is evidence of
intestinal perforation, peritonitis or shock, or
if enema is unsuccessful
57Intussusception Nursing Considerations
- Obtain history of symptoms from caregivers
- Explain procedures to caregivers
- Pre-intervention care correct electrolyte
imbalance hemorrhage with fluid replacement,
administer antibiotics, NG tube, monitor IO - Post-intervention care observe for passage of
contrast material - Support family and encourage family to stay with
pt - Discharge teaching SS of recurrence
58Hirschsprungs Disease
- Motility disorder of the bowel caused by the
absence of parasympathetic ganglion cells in the
large intestine
59Hirschsprungs Disease Clinical Manifestations
- Infant failure to pass meconium within 24-48
hours of birth, abdominal distention, bile
stained vomiting, refusal to eat, intestinal
obstruction - Older infant and child chronic constipation,
abdominal distention, explosive passage of stool,
inadequate weight gain, ribbon-like or pellet
shaped stool, foul-smelling stool, vomiting,
palpable fecal mass
60Hirschsprung's Disease Diagnosis
- Rectal exam absence of stool in rectum with
tight anal sphincter - Barium enema
- Rectal biopsy for absence of ganglion cells
61Hirschsprungs Disease Treatment
- First stage surgery colostomy to allow for
means of defecation and to rest bowel - Second stage surgery aganglionic section is
removed and normal bowel is anastomosed to rectum
and the colostomy is closed. Performed when child
is between 6-15 months of age and weighs 18-20
pounds - Newer surgery is to do second stage surgery
without first stage surgery - Laparoscopic Surgery pull affected bowel
through anal opening to remove
62Hirschsprungs Disease Nursing Considerations
- Pre-op management IVs for fluid and electrolyte
balance, saline enemas to cleanse bowel, NPO, NG
tube, antibiotics and antibiotic enemas - Post-op management NG tube management until
peristalsis returns, monitor abdominal distention
and incisions, colostomy care - Family teaching colostomy care, incision care,
complications such as enterocolitis, leaks or
strictures at anastomosis site (abdominal
distention, irritability, diarrhea, vomiting,
constipation)
63Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Crohns
Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Chronic disorders that cause inflammation or
ulceration in the small and large intestine - Crohns disease may involve the entire
gastrointestinal tract and all layers of the
bowel wall, with an asymmetric distribution of
lesions (disease-free skip areas) - Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation of the
mucosa and submucosa of the colon and rectum,
with a symmetric, continuous distribution of
lesions
64IBD Clinical Manifestations
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
- Growth retardation
- Perianal disease (painful defecation, bright red
rectal bleeding, skin tags, hemorrhoids,
fistulas, and abscesses) - Fistulas
65IBD Diagnosis
- History and physical exam
- Endoscopy
- Colon x-rays barium enema, upper GI series, CT
scan for bowel thickening - Labs CBC (anemia), elevated WBC sed rate,
hypoproteinemia, fluid and electrolyte
imbalances, stool for blood, leukocytes, and
culture - Mucosal biopsy
66IBD Treatment
- Control inflammatory process
- Corticosteroids,
- Sulfasalazine (acts directly on the bowel mucosa
to reduce inflammation) - Antibiotics, Flagyl (helpful for the perianal
conditions associated with CD) - Immunosuppressive medications
67IBD Treatment
- Promote growth and development
- High-protein, high calorie foods
- Vitamin, iron, folic acid supplements
- Enteral feedings
- TPN
- Surgical treatment
- Total colectomy
- Subtotal colectomy with ileostomy
- Intestinal resections for obstructions
68IBD Complications
- Malnutrition
- Growth failure
- Intestinal strictures
- GI bleeding
- Toxic megacolon (acute dilation of colon
secondary to severe inflammation of bowel mucosa.
S/S spiking fever, acute abdominal pain,
distention colon can thin out and shred leading
to hemorrhage, peritonitis, and death. If colon
perforates, emergency surgery with total
colectomy and ileostomy)
69IBD Nursing Considerations
- Nutrition
- Several small meals/day
- Supplements (Ensure)
- Decrease bran and fiber foods
- Decrease dairy products
- Bland foods, avoid hot, spicy foods
- Medications
- Continue medications while in remission
- Monitor side effects
- Teach ostomy care and coping skills
- Give support and referrals
- Interventions to raise self-esteem
70Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
- Necrosis of the mucosa of the small and large
intestine, usually distal ileum and proximal
colon - Life-threatening condition of preterm infants
- Risk factors intestinal ischemia, bacterial
colonization of bowel, presence of hypertrophic
solutions (formula) in intestines, perinatal
asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, exchange
transfusions, umbilical artery catheters
71NEC Clinical Manifestations
- Abdominal tenderness and distention
- Redness of abdominal wall
- Bloody stools
- Decreased bowel sounds
- Increased gastric residuals
- Bilious vomiting
72NEC Clinical Deterioration
- Apnea and bradycardia
- Lethargy
- Temperature instability
- Decreased urine output
- Increased abdominal distention
- Shock (cool, mottled skin, pallor, decreased
intensity of peripheral pulses) - Hypotension
- Acidosis
- Sepsis
73NEC Diagnosis
- Clinical findings
- Abdominal x-rays dilated bowel loops,
pneumatosis intestinalis
74NEC Treatment
- NPO
- NG tube for continuous gastric drainage and
decompression - O2 and ventilation if indicated
- IV fluids for parenteral nutrition, electrolytes,
antibiotics - Monitor labs CBC, blood gases, electrolytes
- Surgery if no improvement resection of necrotic
bowel - Postop complications intestinal obstruction due
to strictures, short bowel syndrome
75NEC Nursing Considerations
- Early identification of clinical manifestations
- Measure abdominal girth
- Gastric residual prior to feedings
- Presence of bowel sounds
- Hemoccult all stools
- Accurate IO
- Frequent VS
- Observe response when feedings begin again
- Family teaching answer question and explain
procedures, care of ostomy, feedings, observation
of complications
76Short Bowel Syndrome
- Disorder characterized by inadequate surface are
of the small intestine and usually occurs after
surgical resection of the intestine in cases of
necrotizing enterocolitis, volvus, or Crohns
disease. - May not be a permanent disorder because the
intestine can grow and adapt
77Short Bowel Syndrome Clinical Manifestations
- Malabsorption
- Malnutrition
- Diarrhea
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Skin irritation and breakdown on the buttocks and
perineum - Bacterial overgrowth in the remaining small
intestine
78Short Bowel Syndrome Treatment
- TPN via a central line
- Enteral feedings via an NG or gastrostomy tube to
stimulate growth of the small intestine
79Short Bowel Syndrome Nursing Considerations
- Provide good skin care
- Monitor IO
- Administer TPN and tube feedings
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection
- Monitor lab values liver function tests, renal
function tests, liver enzymes, calcium, magnesium
and phosphorus levels
80Inborn Errors of Metabolism Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- PKU Disease of protein metabolism, characterized
by the absence of the hepatic enzyme needed to
metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine - Inherited as an autosomal recessive trait
- Detected in 110,000 25,000 births
- Highest incidence in Caucasian children
81PKU Clinical Manifestations
- Failure to thrive
- Frequent vomiting
- Irritability
- Hyperactivity
- Unpredictable, erratic behavior
- Bizarre behavior patterns in older children
(screaming episodes, head banging, arm biting,
disorientation, catatonia) - Seizures
82PKU Diagnosis
- Guthrie blood test performed on fresh heel blood,
not cord blood - Test is most reliable if blood sample is taken
after the infant has ingested a source of protein - Initial specimens that are taken within the first
24 hours of life should be repeated by the second
week of life - After 3 months of treatment, a natural protein
challenge test should be performed to confirm the
diagnosis of PKU
83PKU Treatment
- Low-phenylalanine diet
- Diet is calculated to maintain serum
phenylalanine levels between 2 and 8mg/dl - Significant brain damage occurs when levels are
greater than 10-15mg/dl - Growth retardation occurs at levels less than
2mg/dl - Daily amounts are individualized for each child
and require frequent changes based on appetite,
growth and development and blood levels
84PKU Treatment
- This target is an easy way to visualize the foods
allowed on the diet for PKU. Phenyl-Free is the
center of the target diet. As the foods get
further away from the bull's-eye, they are higher
in phenylalanine. The foods outside the target
are not included in the low-phenylalanine meal
plan.
85PKU Nursing Considerations
- Assessment and treatment of symptoms
- Teaching family dietary requirements
low-phenylalanine foods, eliminated or restricted
protein foods, no aspartame - Assist school-age children and adolescents to
cope with peer pressure, and to monitor daily
allowance of phenylalanine - Family support
86Inborn Errors of Metabolism Galactosemia
- Error in carbohydrate metabolism
- Autosomal-recessive disorder
- Affects approximately 150,000 births
- Death occurs during the first month of life if
untreated
87Galactosemia Clinical Manifestations
- Jaundice
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Hepatosplenomegaly
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Hypotonia
- Sepsis
88Galactosemia Diagnosis
- Guthrie blood test
- History
- Physical exam
- Galactosuria
- Increased levels of galactose in the blood
- Decreased levels of enzyme
89Galactosemia Treatment
- Eliminate all milk and lactose-containing foods,
including breast milk
90Galactosemia Nursing Considerations
- Same as for PKU except for lactose dietary
restrictions - Many drugs contain lactose as a filler and must
be avoided - Diet is easier to maintain because many more
foods are allowed
91Protein and Energy MalnutritionKwashiorkor and
Marasmus
- Kwashiorkor Deficiency of protein with low or
adequate supply of calories from carbohydrates
92Kwashiorkor
- Growing cells are damaged due to deficient
protein for tissue growth and cell repair - Clinical manifestations include
- Scaly, dry skin
- Loss of hair
- Night blindness
- Weight loss in conjunction with generalized edema
(hypoalbuminemia) - Hypokalemia
- Hypernatremia
- Muscle atrophy
- Diarrhea
93Marasmus
- General malnutrition of both calories and protein
- Common in underdeveloped countries during times
of drought - Failure to thrive
94Marasmus
- Gradual wasting and atrophy of body tissues,
especially subcutaneous fat - Clinical manifestations include
- Children appear to be very old, with flabby,
wrinkled skin - Severely emaciated appearance
- Small head with decreased brain growth
- No skin sores
- No edema
- Infection-prone
- Minimal body metabolism thermoregulation
problems - Apathetic, fretful withdrawn, lethargic
95Kwashiorkor and Marasmus Treatment
- Diet with quality proteins, carbohydrates,
vitamins, minerals introduced slowly - Rehydrate with fluids to replace electrolytes
- Medications antibiotics, anti-diarrheals
96Kwashiorkor and Marasmus Nursing Considerations
- Provide essential physiological needs
- Food
- Rest
- Protection from infection
- Hygiene
- Developmental stimulation
- Provide education about proper nutrition
97Fluid and Electrolytes Developmental Differences
- Water constitutes approximately 80 of body
weight of infants, 65 of body weight in
children, and 50 of body weight in adults - Infants have more extracellular fluid than
intracellular fluid - Infants and children lt2 years of age lose a
greater proportion of fluids per day - Infants have greater BSA to weight ratio and
higher metabolism, making them more prone to
fluid depletion and increased water lose through
the skin
98Fluid and Electrolytes Developmental Differences
- Infants and children have greater GI surface area
- Infants and children take in and excrete a
greater volume of water daily - Infants and children lt2 have immature kidney
function and are inefficient in concentrating or
diluting urine, conserving or excreting Na, and
acidifying urine. They are more likely to become
dehydrated with concentrated formula or
overhydrated with dilute formula or excessive
water - Fluid disturbances in infants and children are
usually caused by dehydration, water intoxication
and edema
99Dehydration
- A critical condition that results from an
extracellular fluid loss - Children are more susceptible to dehydration than
adults because a larger portion of a childs body
fluid is located in extracellular spaces - Dehydration that is not corrected will lead to
hypovolemic shock and death
100Dehydration
- Hypotonic occurs when there is a sodium loss
that is greater than the water loss - Isotonic dehydration occurs when the sodium and
water loss are equal. Most common type of
dehydration in children - Hypertonic occurs when the loss of water is
greater than the loss of sodium
101Dehydration Clinical Manifestations
- Weight loss
- Rapid, thready pulse
- Hypotension
- Decreased peripheral circulation
- Decreased urinary output
- Dry mucous membranes
- Absence of tears
- Sunken fontanel
- Dehydration is classified as
- Mild (lt5 weight loss)
- Moderate (5-10 weight loss)
- Severe (gt10 weight loss)
102Dehydration Diagnosis
- Based on history, physical exam
- Measurement of acute weight loss
- Hypotonic and isotonic dehydration hemoglobin,
hematocrit, glucose, BUN, creatine and protein
elevated. Urine is highly concentrated, dark
amber in color, has strong odor
103Dehydration Treatment
- Oral rehydration is the preferred route, using a
solution that contains glucose, sodium, potassium
and bicarbonate. - If child has persistent vomiting, severe
dehydration, or is unable to drink for other
reasons, rehydration is achieved through
administration of IV fluids, based on the type of
dehydration
104Dehydration Nursing Considerations
- Physical assessment for signs and symptoms of
dehydration - Daily weights
- Measure IO
- Administer IV fluids
- Teach caregiver the signs of dehydration
- Teach parents about oral rehydration fluids
105Any Questions?