The nurse is caring for a child with Meckel diverticulum. What ...

[mwit1967]

The nurse is caring for a child with Meckel diverticulum. What type of stool does the nurse expect to observe?
 
  a. Steatorrhea
  b. Clay colored
  c. Currant jellylike
  d. Loose stools with undigested food

Question 2

An infant had a gastrostomy tube placed for feedings after a Nissen fundoplication and bolus feedings are initiated. Between feedings while the tube is clamped, the infant becomes irritable, and there is evidence of cramping.
 
  What action should the nurse implement?
  a. Burp the infant.
  b. Withhold the next feeding.
  c. Vent the gastrostomy tube.
  d. Notify the health care provider.

[prumorgan]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
In Meckel diverticulum the bleeding is usually painless and may be dramatic and occur as bright red or currant jellylike stools, or it may occur intermittently and appear as tarry stools. The stools are not clay colored, steatorrhea, or loose with undigested food.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
If bolus feedings are initiated through a gastrostomy after a Nissen fundoplication, the tube may need to remain vented for several days or longer to avoid gastric distention from swallowed air. Edema surrounding the surgical site and a tight gastric wrap may prohibit the infant from expelling air through the esophagus, so burping does not relieve the distention. Some infants benefit from clamping of the tube for increasingly longer intervals until they are able to tolerate continuous clamping between feedings. During this time, if the infant displays increasing irritability and evidence of cramping, some relief may be provided by venting the tube. The next feeding should not be withheld, and calling the health care provider is not necessary.