CH 24

Chapter 24: The Child with Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which condition in a child should alert a nurse for increased fluid requirements?
a. Fever
b. Mechanical ventilation
c. Congestive heart failure
d. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
ANS: A
Fever leads to great insensible fluid loss in young children because of increased body surface
area relative to fluid volume. Respiratory rate influences insensible fluid loss and should be
monitored in the mechanically ventilated child. Congestive heart failure is a case of fluid
overload in children. Increased ICP does not lead to increased fluid requirements in children.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
REF: 763
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
2. A nurse is conducting an in-service on gastrointestinal disorders. The nurse includes that
melena, the passage of black, tarry stools, suggests bleeding from which area?
Perianal or rectal area
Hemorrhoids or anal fissures
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract
Lower GI tract
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
Melena is denatured blood from the upper GI tract or bleeding from the right colon. Blood
from the perianal or rectal area, hemorrhoids, or lower GI tract would be bright red.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply
REF: 792
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
3. Which type of dehydration is defined as dehydration that occurs in conditions in which
electrolyte and water deficits are present in approximately balanced proportion?

Isotonic dehydration
Hypotonic dehydration
Hypertonic dehydration
All types of dehydration in infants and small children
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Isotonic dehydration is the correct term for this definition and is the most frequent form of
dehydration in children. Hypotonic dehydration occurs when the electrolyte deficit exceeds
the water deficit, leaving the serum hypotonic. Hypertonic dehydration results from water loss
in excess of electrolyte loss and is usually caused by a proportionately larger loss of water or a
larger intake of electrolytes. This definition is specific to isotonic dehydration.
PTS: 1
REF: 767

4. A nurse is admitting an infant with dehydration caused from water loss in excess of
electrolyte loss. Which type of dehydration is this infant experiencing?

Isotonic
Isosmotic
Hypotonic
Hypertonic
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
Hypertonic dehydration results from water loss in excess of electrolyte loss. This is the most
dangerous type of dehydration. It is caused by feeding children fluids with high amounts of
solute. Isotonic dehydration occurs in conditions in which electrolyte and water deficits are
present in balanced proportion and is another term for isotonic dehydration. Hypotonic
dehydration occurs when the electrolyte deficit exceeds the water deficit, leaving the serum
hypotonic.
PTS: 1
REF: 767
5. An infant is brought to the emergency department with dehydration. Which physical
assessment finding does the nurse expect?

Weight gain
Bradycardia
Poor skin turgor
Brisk capillary refill
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
Clinical manifestations of dehydration include poor skin turgor, weight loss, lethargy, and
tachycardia. The infant would have prolonged capillary refill, not brisk.
PTS: 1
REF: 767
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
6. Parents call the clinic and report that their toddler has had acute diarrhea for 24 hours. The
nurse should further ask the parents if the toddler has which associated factor that is causing
the acute diarrhea?
a. Celiac disease
b. Antibiotic therapy
c. Immunodeficiency
d. Protein malnutrition
ANS: B
Acute diarrhea is a sudden increase in frequency and change in consistency of stools and may
be associated with antibiotic therapy. Celiac disease is a problem with gluten intolerance and
may cause chronic diarrhea if not identified and managed appropriately. Immunodeficiency
would occur with chronic diarrhea. Protein malnutrition or kwashiorkor causes chronic
diarrhea from lowered resistance to infection.
PTS: 1
REF: 772

7. Which pathogen is the viral pathogen that frequently causes acute diarrhea in young children?
a. Giardia organisms
b. Shigella organisms
c. Rotavirus
d. Salmonella organisms
ANS: C
Rotavirus is the most frequent viral pathogen that causes diarrhea in young children. Giardia
(parasite) and Salmonella are bacterial pathogens that cause diarrhea. Shigella is a bacterial
pathogen that is uncommon in the United States.
PTS: 1
REF: 772
8. Which is a parasite that causes acute diarrhea?
a. Shigella organisms
b. Salmonella organisms
c. Giardia lamblia
d. Escherichia coli
ANS: C
G. lamblia is a parasite that represents 10% of non-dysenteric illness in the United States.
Shigella, Salmonella, and E. coli are bacterial pathogens.
PTS: 1
REF: 775
9. A child is admitted with bacterial gastroenteritis. Which lab results of a stool specimen
confirm this diagnosis?

a. Eosinophils
b. Occult blood
c. pH less than 6
d. Neutrophils and red blood cells
ANS: D
Neutrophils and red blood cells in stool indicate bacterial gastroenteritis. Protein intolerance
and parasitic infections are suspected in the presence of eosinophils. Occult blood may
indicate pathogens such as Shigella, Campylobacter, or hemorrhagic Escherichia coli strains.
A pH of less than 6 may indicate carbohydrate malabsorption or secondary lactase
insufficiency.
PTS: 1
REF: 775
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Evaluation
10. Which therapeutic management should the nurse prepare to initiate first for a child with acute
diarrhea and moderate dehydration?

Clear liquids
Adsorbents, such as kaolin and pectin
Oral rehydration solution (ORS)
Antidiarrheal medications such as paregoric
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
ORS is the first treatment for acute diarrhea. Clear liquids are not recommended because they
contain too much sugar, which may contribute to diarrhea. Adsorbents are not recommended.
Antidiarrheals are not recommended because they do not get rid of pathogens.
PTS: 1
REF: 775
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation
11. A school-age child with diarrhea has been rehydrated. The nurse is discussing the childs diet
with the family. Which statement by the parent would indicate a correct understanding of the
teaching?
a. I will keep my child on a clear liquid diet for the next 24 hours.
b. I should encourage my child to drink carbonated drinks but avoid food for the next
24 hours.
c. I will offer my child bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast for the next 48 hours.
d. I should have my child eat a normal diet with easily digested foods for the
next 48 hours.
ANS: D
Easily digested foods such as cereals, cooked vegetables, and meats should be provided for
the child. Early reintroduction of nutrients is desirable. Continued feeding or reintroduction of
a regular diet has no adverse effects and actually lessens the severity and duration of the
illness. Clear liquids and carbonated drinks have high carbohydrate content and few
electrolytes. Caffeinated beverages should be avoided because caffeine is a mild diuretic. The
BRAT diet has little nutritional value and is high in carbohydrates.
PTS: 1
REF: 775-776
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort
12. A young child is brought to the emergency department with severe dehydration secondary to
acute diarrhea and vomiting. Therapeutic management of this child should begin with:
intravenous (IV) fluids.
ORS.
clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time.
administration of antidiarrheal medication.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
In children with severe dehydration, IV fluids are initiated. ORS is acceptable therapy if the
dehydration is not severe. Diarrhea is not managed by using clear liquids by mouth. These
fluids have a high carbohydrate content, low electrolyte content, and high osmolality.
Antidiarrheal medications are not recommended for the treatment of acute infectious diarrhea.
PTS: 1
REF: 776
13. A mother calls the clinic nurse about her 4-year-old son who has acute diarrhea. She has been
giving him the antidiarrheal drug loperamide (Imodium A-D). The nurses response should be
based on knowledge that this drug is:
a. not indicated.
b. indicated because it slows intestinal motility.
c. indicated because it decreases diarrhea.
d. indicated because it decreases fluid and electrolyte losses.
ANS: A
Antidiarrheal medications are not recommended for the treatment of acute infectious diarrhea.
These medications have adverse effects and toxicity, such as worsening of the diarrhea
because of slowing of motility and ileus, or a decrease in diarrhea with continuing fluid losses
and dehydration. Antidiarrheal medications are not recommended in infants and small
children.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
REF: 777
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies
14. Constipation has recently become a problem for a school-age girl. She is healthy except for
seasonal allergies that are being treated with antihistamines. The nurse should suspect that the
constipation is most likely caused by:
a. diet.
b. allergies.
c. antihistamines.
d. emotional factors.
ANS: C
Constipation may be associated with drugs such as antihistamines, antacids, diuretics, opioids,
antiepileptics, and iron. Because this is the only known change in her habits, the addition of
antihistamines is most likely the cause of the diarrhea. With a change in bowel habits, the role
of any recently prescribed medications should be assessed.
PTS: 1
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
REF: 778
15. Which is a high-fiber food that the nurse should recommend for a child with chronic
constipation?
Popcorn
Pancakes
Muffins
Ripe bananas
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Popcorn is a high-fiber food. Pancakes and muffins do not have significant fiber unless made
with fruit or bran. Raw fruits, especially those with skins and seeds, other than ripe bananas,
have high fiber.
PTS: 1
REF: 779-780
16. Which therapeutic management treatment is implemented for children with Hirschsprung
disease?
Daily enemas
Low-fiber diet
Permanent colostomy
Surgical removal of affected section of bowel
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
Most children with Hirschsprung disease require surgical rather than medical management.
Surgery is done to remove the aganglionic portion of the bowel, relieve obstruction, and
restore normal bowel motility and function of the internal anal sphincter. Preoperative
management may include enemas and low-fiber, high-calorie, high-protein diet, until the child
is physically ready for surgery. The colostomy that is created in Hirschsprung disease is
usually temporary.
PTS: 1
REF: 781
17. Enemas are ordered to empty the bowel preoperatively for a child with Hirschsprung disease.
The enema solution should be:

tap water.
normal saline.
oil retention.
phosphate preparation.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
Isotonic solutions should be used in children. Saline is the solution of choice. Plain water is
not used. This is a hypotonic solution and can cause rapid fluid shift, resulting in fluid
overload. Oil-retention enemas will not achieve the until clear result. Phosphate enemas are
not advised for children because of the harsh action of the ingredients. The osmotic effects of
the phosphate enema can result in diarrhea, which can lead to metabolic acidosis.
PTS: 1
REF: 781
18. A 3-year-old child with Hirschsprung disease is hospitalized for surgery. A temporary
colostomy will be necessary. The nurse should recognize that preparing this child
psychologically is:
a. not necessary because of childs age.
b. not necessary because colostomy is temporary.
c. necessary because it will be an adjustment.
d. necessary because the child must deal with a negative body image.
ANS: C
The childs age dictates the type and extent of psychological preparation. When a colostomy is
performed, the child who is at least preschool age is told about the procedure and what to
expect in concrete terms, with the use of visual aids. It is necessary to prepare a 3-year-old
child for procedures. The preschooler is not yet concerned with body image.
PTS: 1
REF: 781
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity: Coping and Adaptation
19. The nurse is explaining to a parent how to care for a school-age child with vomiting
associated with a viral illness. Which action should the nurse include?
a. Avoid carbohydrate-containing liquids.
b. Give nothing by mouth for 24 hours.
c. Brush teeth or rinse mouth after vomiting.
d. Give plain water until vomiting ceases for at least 24 hours.
ANS: C
It is important to emphasize the need for the child to brush the teeth or rinse the mouth after
vomiting to dilute the hydrochloric acid that comes in contact with the teeth. Ad libitum
administration of glucose-electrolyte solution to an alert child will help restore water and
electrolytes satisfactorily. It is important to include carbohydrate to spare body protein and
avoid ketosis.
PTS: 1
REF: 782
20. A 4-month-old infant has gastroesophageal reflux (GER) but is thriving without other
complications. Which should the nurse suggest to minimize reflux?

Place in Trendelenburg position after eating.
Thicken formula with rice cereal.
Give continuous nasogastric tube feedings.
Give larger, less frequent feedings.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
Small, frequent feedings of formula combined with 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of rice cereal
per ounce of formula has been recommended. Milk-thickening agents have been shown to
decrease the number of episodes of vomiting and to increase the caloric density of the
formula. This may benefit infants who are underweight as a result of GER disease. Placing the
child in a Trendelenburg position would increase the reflux. Continuous nasogastric feedings
are reserved for infants with severe reflux and failure to thrive.
PTS: 1
REF: 783
21. A histamine-receptor antagonist such as cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac) is ordered
for an infant with GER. The purpose of this is to:

a. prevent reflux.
b. prevent hematemesis.
c. reduce gastric acid production.
d. increase gastric acid production.

ANS: C
The mechanism of action of histamine-receptor antagonists is to reduce the amount of acid

present in gastric contents and perhaps prevent esophagitis. Preventing reflux or hematemesis
and increasing gastric acid production are not the modes of action of histamine-receptor
antagonists.
PTS: 1
REF: 783
22. Which clinical manifestation would be the most suggestive of acute appendicitis?
a. Rebound tenderness
b. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding
c. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating
d. Abdominal pain that is most intense at McBurney point
ANS: D
Pain is the cardinal feature. It is initially generalized, usually periumbilical. The pain localizes
to the right lower quadrant at McBurney point. Rebound tenderness is not a reliable sign and
is extremely painful to the child. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding and abdominal pain
that is relieved by eating are not signs of acute appendicitis.
PTS: 1
REF: 785
23. When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, the nurse should be alert to recognize that
which condition or symptom is a sign of perforation?

a. Bradycardia
b. Anorexia
c. Sudden relief from pain
d. Decreased abdominal distention
ANS: C
Signs of peritonitis, in addition to fever, include sudden relief from pain after perforation.
Tachycardia, not bradycardia, is a manifestation of peritonitis. Anorexia is already a clinical
manifestation of appendicitis. Abdominal distention usually increases.
PTS: 1
REF: 786
24. The nurse is caring for a child admitted with acute abdominal pain and possible appendicitis.
Which is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort?

a. Place in Trendelenburg position.
b. Allow to assume position of comfort.
c. Apply moist heat to the abdomen.
d. Administer a saline enema to cleanse bowel.
ANS: B
The child should be allowed to take a position of comfort, usually with the legs flexed. The
Trendelenburg position will not help with the discomfort. In any instance in which
appendicitis is a possibility, there is a danger in administering a laxative or enemas or
applying heat to the area. Such measures stimulate bowel motility and increase the risk of
perforation.
PTS: 1
REF: 787
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Planning
25. A nurse is conducting an in-service on childhood gastrointestinal disorders. Which statement
is most descriptive of Meckel diverticulum?

It is more common in females than in males.
It is acquired during childhood.
Intestinal bleeding may be mild or profuse.
Medical interventions are usually sufficient to treat the problem.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
Bloody stools are often a presenting sign of Meckel diverticulum. It is associated with mild to
profuse intestinal bleeding. It is twice as common in males as in females, and complications
are more frequent in males. Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital
malformation of the GI tract and is present in 1% to 4% of the general population. The
standard therapy is surgical removal of the diverticulum.
PTS: 1
REF: 788
26. A nurse is admitting a child with Crohn disease. Parents ask the nurse, How is this disease
different from ulcerative colitis? Which statement should the nurse make when answering
this question?
a. With Crohns the inflammatory process involves the whole GI tract.
b. There is no difference between the two diseases.
c. The inflammation with Crohns is limited to the colon and rectum.
d. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by skip lesions.
ANS: A
The chronic inflammatory process of Crohn disease involves any part of the GI tract from the
mouth to the anus but most often affects the terminal ileum. Crohn disease involves all layers
of the bowel wall in a discontinuous fashion, meaning that between areas of intact mucosa,
there are areas of affected mucosa (skip lesions). The inflammation found with ulcerative
colitis is limited to the colon and rectum, with the distal colon and rectum the most severely
affected. Inflammation affects the mucosa and submucosa and involves continuous segments
along the length of the bowel with varying degrees of ulceration, bleeding, and edema.
PTS: 1
REF: 789
27. Which is used to treat moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease?
a. Antacids
b. Antibiotics
c. Corticosteroids
d. Antidiarrheal medications
ANS: C
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, are used in short bursts to suppress the
inflammatory response in inflammatory bowel disease. Antacids and antidiarrheal medications
are not drugs of choice in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Antibiotics may be
used as an adjunctive therapy to treat complications.
PTS: 1
REF: 790
28. Bismuth subsalicylate, clarithromycin, and metronidazole are prescribed for a child with a
peptic ulcer to:

eradicate Helicobacter pylori.
coat gastric mucosa.
treat epigastric pain.
reduce gastric acid production.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
The drug therapy combination of bismuth subsalicylate, clarithromycin, and metronidazole is

effective in the treatment of H. pylori and is prescribed to eradicate it.
PTS: 1
REF: 793
29. Which statement best characterizes hepatitis A?
a. Incubation period is 6 weeks to 6 months.
b. Principal mode of transmission is through the parenteral route.
c. Onset is usually rapid and acute.
d. There is a persistent carrier state.
ANS: C
Hepatitis A is the most common form of acute hepatitis in most parts of the world. It is
characterized by a rapid and acute onset. The incubation period is approximately 3 weeks for
hepatitis A and the principal mode of transmission for it is the fecal-oral route. Hepatitis A
does not have a carrier state.
PTS: 1
REF: 795
30. Which vaccine is now recommended for the immunization of all newborns?
a. Hepatitis A vaccine
b. Hepatitis B vaccine
c. Hepatitis C vaccine
d. Hepatitis A, B, and C vaccines
ANS: B
Universal vaccination for hepatitis B is now recommended for all newborns. A vaccine is
available for hepatitis A, but it is not yet universally recommended. No vaccine is currently
available for hepatitis C. Only hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for newborns.
PTS: 1
REF: 797
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
31. The best chance of survival for a child with cirrhosis is:
a. liver transplantation.
b. treatment with corticosteroids.
c. treatment with immune globulin.
d. provision of nutritional support.
ANS: A
The only successful treatment for end-stage liver disease and liver failure may be liver
transplantation, which has improved the prognosis for many children with cirrhosis. Liver
transplantation has revolutionized the approach to cirrhosis. Liver failure and cirrhosis are
indications for transplantation. Liver transplantation reflects the failure of other medical and
surgical measures to prevent or treat cirrhosis.
PTS: 1
REF: 798
32. A nurse is admitting an infant with biliary atresia. Which is the earliest clinical manifestation
of biliary atresia the nurse should expect to assess?

Jaundice
Vomiting
Hepatomegaly
Absence of stooling
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Jaundice is the earliest and most striking manifestation of biliary atresia. It is first observed in
the sclera, may be present at birth, but is usually not apparent until age 2 to 3 weeks. Vomiting
is not associated with biliary atresia. Hepatomegaly and abdominal distention are common but
occur later. Stools are large and lighter in color than expected because of the lack of bile.
PTS: 1
REF: 798-799
33. A newborn was admitted to the nursery with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. The
physician explained the plan of therapy and its expected good results. However, the mother
refuses to see or hold her baby. Initial therapeutic approach to the mother should be:
a. restating what the physician has told her about plastic surgery.
b. encouraging her to express her feelings.
c. emphasizing the normalcy of her baby and the babys need for mothering.
d. recognizing that negative feelings toward the child continue throughout childhood.
ANS: B
For parents, cleft lip and cleft palate deformities are particularly disturbing. The nurse must
place emphasize not only the infants physical needs but also the parents emotional needs.
The mother needs to be able to express her feelings before she can accept her child. Although
the nurse will restate what the physician has told the mother about plastic surgery, it is not part
of the initial therapeutic approach. As the mother expresses her feelings, the nurses actions
should convey to the parents that the infant is a precious human being. The nurse emphasizes
the childs normalcy and helps the mother recognize the childs uniqueness. Maternal-infant
attachment was not negatively affected at age 1 year.
PTS: 1
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
REF: 800
34. Caring for the newborn with a cleft lip and palate before surgical repair includes:
a. gastrostomy feedings.
b. keeping infant in near-horizontal position during feedings.
c. allowing little or no sucking.
d. providing satisfaction of sucking needs.
ANS: D
Using special or modified nipples for feeding techniques helps meet the infants sucking
needs. Gastrostomy feedings are usually not indicated. Feeding is best accomplished with the
infants head in an upright position. The child requires both nutritive and nonnutritive sucking.
PTS: 1
REF: 801
35. A mother who intended to breastfeed has given birth to an infant with a cleft palate. Nursing
interventions should include:

giving medication to suppress lactation.
encouraging and helping mother to breastfeed.
teaching mother to feed breast milk by gavage.
recommending use of a breast pump to maintain lactation until infant can suck.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
The mother who wishes to breastfeed may need encouragement and support because the
defect does present some logistical issues. The nipple must be positioned and stabilized well
back in the infants oral cavity so that the tongue action facilitates milk expression. Because
breastfeeding is an option, if the mother wishes to breastfeed, medications should not be given
to suppress lactation. Because breastfeeding can usually be accomplished, gavage feedings are
not indicated. The suction required to stimulate milk, absent initially, may be useful before
nursing to stimulate the let-down reflex.
PTS: 1
REF: 801
36. The nurse is caring for an infant whose cleft lip was repaired. Important aspects of this
infants postoperative care include:
a.
b.
c.
d.
arm restraints, postural drainage, mouth irrigations.
cleansing the suture line, supine and side-lying positions, arm restraints.
mouth irrigations, prone position, cleansing suture line.
supine and side-lying positions, postural drainage, arm restraints.
ANS: B
The suture line should be cleansed gently after feeding. The child should be positioned on the
back, on the side, or in an infant seat. Elbows are restrained to prevent the child from
accessing the operative site. Postural drainage is not indicated. This would increase the
pressure on the operative site when the child is placed in different positions. There is no
reason to perform mouth irrigations, and the child should not be placed in the prone position
where injury to the suture site can occur.
PTS: 1
REF: 802
37. During the first few days after surgery for cleft lip, which intervention should the nurse do?
a. Leave infant in crib at all times to prevent suture strain.
b. Keep infant heavily sedated to prevent suture strain.
c. Remove restraints periodically to cuddle infant.
d. Alternate position from prone to side-lying to supine.
ANS: C
Remove restraints periodically, while supervising the infant, to allow him or her to exercise
arms and to provide cuddling and tactile stimulation. The infant should not be left in the crib,
but should be removed for appropriate holding and stimulation. Analgesia and sedation are
administered for pain. Heavy sedation is not indicated. The child should not be placed in the
prone position.
PTS: 1
REF: 802
38. The nurse is caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula. Nursing care
should include:
elevating the head but give nothing by mouth.
elevating the head for feedings.
feeding glucose water only.
avoiding suctioning unless infant is cyanotic.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
When a newborn is suspected of having a tracheoesophageal fistula, the most desirable

position is supine with the head elevated on an inclined plane of at least 30 degrees. It is
imperative that any source of aspiration be removed at once; oral feedings are withheld.
Feedings should not be given to infants suspected of having tracheoesophageal fistulas. The
oral pharynx should be kept clear of secretion by oral suctioning. This is to prevent the
cyanosis that is usually the result of laryngospasm caused by overflow of saliva into the
larynx.
PTS: 1
REF: 803-804

39. Which type of hernia has an impaired blood supply to the herniated organ?
a. Hiatal hernia
b. Incarcerated hernia
c. Omphalocele
d. Strangulated hernia
ANS: D
A strangulated hernia is one in which the blood supply to the herniated organ is impaired.
Hiatal hernia is the intrusion of an abdominal structure, usually the stomach, through the
esophageal hiatus. Incarcerated hernia is a hernia that cannot be reduced easily. Omphalocele
is the protrusion of intra-abdominal viscera into the base of the umbilical cord. The sac is
covered with peritoneum, not skin.
PTS: 1
REF: 805
40. Pyloric stenosis can best be described as:
a. dilation of the pylorus.
b. hypertrophy of the pyloric muscle.
c. hypotonicity of the pyloric muscle.
d. reduction of tone in the pyloric muscle.
ANS: B
Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis occurs when the circumferential muscle of the pyloric sphincter
becomes thickened, resulting in elongation and narrowing of the pyloric channel. Dilation of
the pylorus, hypotonicity of the pyloric muscle, and reduction of tone in the pyloric muscle
are not the definition of pyloric stenosis.
PTS: 1
REF: 805
41. Which observation made of the exposed abdomen is most indicative of pyloric stenosis?
a. Abdominal rigidity
b. Substernal retraction
c. Palpable olive-like mass
d. Marked distention of lower abdomen
ANS: C
The diagnosis of pyloric stenosis is often made after the history and physical examination.
The olive-like mass is easily palpated when the stomach is empty, the infant is quiet, and the
abdominal muscles are relaxed. Abdominal rigidity and substernal retraction are usually not
present. The upper abdomen, not lower abdomen, is distended.
PTS: 1
REF: 806
42. The nurse is caring for an infant with suspected pyloric stenosis. Which clinical manifestation
would indicate pyloric stenosis?

Abdominal rigidity and pain on palpation
Rounded abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds
Visible peristalsis and weight loss
Distention of lower abdomen and constipation
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
Visible gastric peristaltic waves that move from left to right across the epigastrium and weight
loss are observed in pyloric stenosis. Abdominal rigidity and pain on palpation or a rounded
abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds are usually not present. The upper abdomen, not lower
abdomen, is distended.
PTS: 1
REF: 808
43. An infant with pyloric stenosis experiences excessive vomiting that can result in:
a. hyperchloremia.
b. hypernatremia.
c. metabolic acidosis.
d. metabolic alkalosis.
ANS: D
Infants with excessive vomiting are prone to metabolic alkalosis from the loss of hydrogen
ions. Chloride ions and sodium are lost with vomiting. Metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis, is
likely.
PTS: 1
REF: 808
44. Invagination of one segment of bowel within another is called:
a. atresia.
b. stenosis.
c. herniation.
d. intussusception.
ANS: D
Intussusception occurs when a proximal section of the bowel telescopes into a more distal
segment, pulling the mesentery with it. The mesentery is compressed and angled, resulting in
lymphatic and venous obstruction. Invagination of one segment of bowel within another is the
definition of intussusception, not atresia, stenosis, or herniation.
PTS: 1
REF: 809
45. The nurse is caring for a boy with probable intussusception. He had diarrhea before admission
but, while waiting for administration of air pressure to reduce the intussusception, he passes a
normal brown stool. Which nursing action is the most appropriate?
a. Notify practitioner.
b. Measure abdominal girth.

c. Auscultate for bowel sounds.
d. Take vital signs, including blood pressure.
ANS: A
Passage of a normal brown stool indicates that the intussusception has reduced itself. This is
immediately reported to the practitioner, who may choose to alter the diagnostic-therapeutic
care plan. The first action would be to report the normal stool to the practitioner.
PTS: 1
REF: 809
46. Which is an important nursing consideration in the care of a child with celiac disease?
a. Refer to a nutritionist for detailed dietary instructions and education.
b. Help child and family understand that diet restrictions are usually only temporary.
c. Teach proper hand washing and standard precautions to prevent disease
transmission.
d. Suggest ways to cope more effectively with stress to minimize symptoms.
ANS: A
The main consideration is helping the child adhere to dietary management. Considerable time
is spent explaining to the child and parents about the disease process, the specific role of
gluten in aggravating the condition, and foods that must be restricted. Referral to a nutritionist
would help in this process. The most severe symptoms usually occur in early childhood and
adult life. Dietary avoidance of gluten should be lifelong. Celiac disease is not transmissible
or stress related.
PTS: 1
REF: 814
47. An infant with short bowel syndrome will be discharged home on total parenteral nutrition
(TPN) and gastrostomy feedings. Nursing care should include:

preparing family for impending death.
teaching family signs of central venous catheter infection.
teaching family how to calculate caloric needs.
securing TPN and gastrostomy tubing under diaper to lessen risk of dislodgment.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
During TPN therapy, care must be taken to minimize the risk of complications related to the
central venous access device, such as catheter infections, occlusions, or accidental removal.
This is an important part of family teaching. The prognosis for patients with short bowel
syndrome depends in part on the length of residual small intestine. It has improved with
advances in TPN. Although parents need to be taught about nutritional needs, the caloric
needs and prescribed TPN and rate are the responsibility of the health care team. The tubes
should not be placed under the diaper due to risk of infection.
PTS: 1
REF: 815
48. A nurse is receiving report on a newborn admitted yesterday after a gastroschisis repair. In the
report, the nurse is told the newborn has a physicians prescription for an NG tube to low
intermittent suction. The reporting nurse confirms that the NG tube is to low intermittent
suction and draining light green stomach contents. Upon initial assessment, the nurse notes
that the newborn has pulled the NG tube out. Which is the priority action the nurse should
take?
a. Replace the NG tube and continue the low intermittent suction.
b. Leave the NG tube out and notify the physician at the end of the shift.
c. Leave the NG tube out and monitor for bowel sounds.
d. Replace the NG tube, but leave to gravity drainage instead of low wall suction.
ANS: A
A newborn with a gastroschisis performed the day before will require bowel decompression
with an NG tube to low wall intermittent suction. The nurses priority action is to replace the
NG tube and continue with the low wall intermittent suctioning. The NG tube cannot be left
out this soon after surgery. The physicians prescription was to have the NG tube to low wall
intermittent suction so the tube cannot be placed to gravity drainage.
PTS: 1
REF: 807
49. Parents of a child undergoing an endoscopy to rule out peptic ulcer disease (PUD) from H.
pylori ask the nurse, If H. pylori is found will my child need another endoscopy to know that
it is gone? Which is the nurses best response?
a. Yes, the only way to know the H. pylori has been eradicated is with another
endoscopy.
b. We can collect a stool sample and confirm that the H. pylori has been eradicated.
c. A blood test can be done to determine that the H. pylori is no longer present.
d. Your child will always test positive for H. pylori because after treatment it goes
into remission, but cant be completely eradicated.
ANS: B
An upper endoscopy is the procedure initially performed to diagnose PUD. A biopsy can
determine the presence of H. pylori. Polyclonal and monoclonal stool antigen tests are an
accurate, noninvasive method to confirm H. pylori has been eradicated after treatment. A
blood test can identify the presence of the antigen to this organism, but because H. pylori was
already present it would not be as accurate as a stool sample to determine whether it has been
eradicated. H. pylori can be treated and, once the treatment is complete, the stool sample can
determine that it was eradicated.
PTS: 1
REF: 793
50. A child has recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and a dairy-free diet has been prescribed for 2
weeks. Which explanation is the reason for prescribing a dairy-free diet?

To rule out lactose intolerance
To rule out celiac disease
To rule out sensitivity to high sugar content
To rule out peptic ulcer disease
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Treatment for RAP involves providing reassurance and reducing or eliminating symptoms.
Dietary modifications may include removal of dairy products to rule out lactose intolerance.
Fructose is eliminated to rule out sensitivity to high sugar content and gluten is removed to
rule out celiac disease. A dairy-free diet would not rule out peptic ulcer disease.
PTS: 1
REF: 784
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. A child who has just had definitive repair of a high rectal malformation is to be discharged.
Which should the nurse address in the discharge preparation of this family? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Perineal and wound care
b. Necessity of firm stools to keep suture line clean
c. Bowel training beginning as soon as child returns home
d. Reporting any changes in stooling patterns to practitioner
e. Use of diet modification to prevent constipation
ANS: A, D, E
Wound care instruction is necessary in a child who is being discharged after surgery. The
parents are taught to notify the practitioner if any signs of an anal stricture or other
complications develop. Constipation is avoided, since a firm stool will place strain on the
suture line. Fiber and stool softeners are often given to keep stools soft and avoid tension on
the suture line. The child needs to recover from the surgical procedure. Then bowel training
may begin, depending on the childs developmental and physiologic readiness.
PTS: 1
REF: 812
2. Which is true concerning hepatitis B? (Select all that apply.)
a. Hepatitis B cannot exist in carrier state.
b. Hepatitis B can be prevented by HBV vaccine.
c. Hepatitis B can be transferred to an infant of a breastfeeding mother.
d. Onset of hepatitis B is insidious.
e. Principal mode of transmission for hepatitis B is fecal-oral route.
f. Immunity to hepatitis B occurs after one attack.
ANS: B, C, D, F
The vaccine elicits the formation of an antibody to the hepatitis B surface antigen, which is
protective against hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can be transferred to an infant of a breastfeeding
mother, especially if the mothers nipples are cracked. The onset of hepatitis B is insidious.
Immunity develops after one exposure to hepatitis B. Hepatitis B has a carrier state. The fecaloral route is the principal mode of transmission for hepatitis A. Hepatitis B is transmitted
through the parenteral route.
PTS: 1
REF: 795
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Diagnosis

3. A nurse is planning preoperative care for a newborn with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).
Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement? (Select all that apply.)
a. Positioning with head elevated on a 30-degree plane
b. Feedings through a gastrostomy tube
c. Nasogastric tube to continuous low wall suction
d. Suctioning with a Replogle tube passed orally to the end of the pouch
e. Gastrostomy tube to gravity drainage
ANS: A, D, E
The most desirable position for a newborn who has TEF is supine (or sometimes prone) with
the head elevated on an inclined plane of at least 30 degrees. This positioning minimizes the
reflux of gastric secretions at the distal esophagus into the trachea and bronchi, especially
when intraabdominal pressure is elevated. It is imperative to immediately remove any
secretions that can be aspirated. Until surgery, the blind pouch is kept empty by intermittent or
continuous suction through an indwelling double-lumen or Replogle catheter passed orally or
nasally to the end of the pouch. In some cases, a percutaneous gastrostomy tube is inserted
and left open so that any air entering the stomach through the fistula can escape, thus
minimizing the danger of gastric contents being regurgitated into the trachea. The gastrostomy
tube is emptied by gravity drainage. Feedings through the gastrostomy tube and irrigations
with fluid are contraindicated before surgery in an infant with a distal TEF. A nasogastric tube
to low intermittent suctioning could not be accomplished because the esophagus ends in a
blind pouch in TEF.
PTS: 1
REF: 804
4. The nurse is preparing to care for an infant returning from pyloromyotomy surgery. Which
prescribed orders should the nurse anticipate implementing? (Select all that apply.)
a. NPO for 24 hours
b. Administration of analgesics for pain
c. Ice bag to the incisional area
d. IV fluids continued until tolerating PO
e. Clear liquids as the first feeding
ANS: B, D, E
Feedings are usually instituted soon after a pyloromyotomy surgery, beginning with clear
liquids advancing to formula or breast milk as tolerated. IV fluids are administered until the
infant is taking and retaining adequate amounts by mouth. Appropriate analgesics should be
given around the clock because pain is continuous. Ice should not be applied to the incisional
area as it vasoconstricts and would reduce circulation to the incisional area and impair
healing.
PTS: 1
REF: 809
5. A nurse is conducting dietary teaching on high-fiber foods for parents of a child with
constipation. Which foods should the nurse include as being high in fiber? (Select all that
apply.)
a. White rice
b. Avocados
c. Whole grain breads
d. Bran pancakes
e. Raw carrots
ANS: C, D, E
High-fiber foods include whole grain breads, bran pancakes, and raw carrots. Unrefined
(brown) rice is high in fiber but not white rice. Raw fruits, especially those with skins or
seeds, other than ripe banana or avocado are high in fiber.
PTS: 1
REF: 780
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
SHORT ANSWER
1. A child has an NG tube to continuous low intermittent suction. The physicians prescription is
to replace the previous 4-hour NG output with a normal saline piggyback over a 2-hour
period. The NG output for the previous 4 hours totaled 50 ml. What milliliter/hour rate should
the nurse administer to replace normal saline piggyback? (Record your answer in a whole
number.)
50ml/2 = 25ml/hr
ANS:
25
The previous total 4-hour output was 50 ml. To run the 50 ml over a 2-hour period, the nurse
would divide 50 by 2 = 25. The normal saline replacement fluid would be run at 25 ml per
hour.
PTS: 1
REF: 775

CH 24

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CH 24

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Chapter 24: The Child with Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

electrolyte and water deficits are present in approximately balanced proportion?

MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

electrolyte loss. Which type of dehydration is this infant experiencing?

assessment finding does the nurse expect?

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply

TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment

confirm this diagnosis?

diarrhea and moderate dehydration?

The enema solution should be:

complications. Which should the nurse suggest to minimize reflux?

for an infant with GER. The purpose of this is to:

d. increase gastric acid production.

The mechanism of action of histamine-receptor antagonists is to reduce the amount of acid

which condition or symptom is a sign of perforation?

Which is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort?

is most descriptive of Meckel diverticulum?

peptic ulcer to:

The drug therapy combination of bismuth subsalicylate, clarithromycin, and metronidazole is

of biliary atresia the nurse should expect to assess?

interventions should include:

infants postoperative care include:

arm restraints, postural drainage, mouth irrigations.

When a newborn is suspected of having a tracheoesophageal fistula, the most desirable

MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

would indicate pyloric stenosis?

b. Measure abdominal girth.

(TPN) and gastrostomy feedings. Nursing care should include:

weeks. Which explanation is the reason for prescribing a dairy-free diet?

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand

TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Diagnosis

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