6 Gastrointestinal, Nutrition, and Fluid-Balance Disorders Free Online FlashCards

What should be assessed first in a child with gastrointestinal symptoms?

Assess airway, breathing, circulation, appearance, hydration, and the child’s ability to drink.

Which findings can suggest dehydration in a young child?

Reduced urination, dry mouth, fewer tears, sunken eyes or fontanelle, and reduced activity suggest dehydration.

How can weight help estimate a child’s fluid loss?

Comparing a recent weight with a reliable pre-illness weight can help estimate fluid loss.

How should oral rehydration solution be offered?

Offer small, frequent sips of commercial pediatric ORS. If the child vomits, pause briefly and restart more slowly.

Why are soda, undiluted juice, and sports drinks not substitutes for ORS?

Soda, undiluted juice, and sports drinks have inappropriate sugar or electrolyte content and should not replace ORS.

How should feeding continue during uncomplicated vomiting or diarrhea?

Continue breastfeeding and, once tolerated, resume the child’s usual age-appropriate diet and formula; routine fasting or formula dilution is not recommended.

When may a child need facility-based fluid treatment?

Severe dehydration, shock, or inability to keep fluids down may require facility-based treatment, including IV fluids.

Which vomiting-related signs warrant urgent medical assessment?

Green or bloody vomit, severe or persistent abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, altered responsiveness, or dehydration warrants urgent medical assessment.

What is the main approach to most acute diarrhea in children?

For most acute diarrhea, prevent dehydration, continue breastfeeding and age-appropriate feeding, and monitor symptoms.

When should a child receive antidiarrheal medicine?

Do not give a child antidiarrheal medicines unless a clinician directs you to do so.

What are common features of childhood constipation?

Constipation commonly involves hard, dry, painful stools, withholding, or fewer than two bowel movements per week.

How can stool withholding worsen constipation?

Painful stools can lead a child to withhold; delaying bowel movements then makes stools harder and can reinforce the cycle.