Chapter 16: Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children

Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children begins by outlining critical nursing assessments, including the sequence of abdominal examination—inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation—and essential history-taking questions regarding pain, elimination patterns, and weight changes. The text delves into fluid and electrolyte management, emphasizing the recognition and treatment of dehydration and the administration of intravenous therapies. A significant portion of the chapter categorizes disorders by their primary clinical manifestations, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and structural defects. It covers congenital anomalies like cleft lip and palate, tracheoesophageal fistula, and esophageal atresia, alongside obstructive disorders like pyloric stenosis, volvulus, and intussusception, detailing their specific diagnostic signs such as the olive-shaped mass or currant-jelly stools. The chapter further explores inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including celiac disease, acute appendicitis, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, highlighting their pathophysiology, dietary management, and pharmacological treatments. Disorders of motility and elimination, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional constipation, Hirschsprung's disease, and infectious gastroenteritis, are analyzed with a focus on nursing interventions and caregiver education. Additionally, the text addresses anterior abdominal wall defects like omphalocele and gastroschisis, as well as hepatic and biliary conditions including neonatal jaundice, biliary atresia, hepatitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Finally, the chapter examines nutritional challenges, discussing the management of cystic fibrosis manifestations in the GI tract, obesity, and failure to thrive, underscoring the nurse's role in promoting optimal growth and development through family-centered care.