Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders Study
Guide
Based on Galen College of Nursing – Caring for the Child with a Gastrointestinal Condition
General Pediatric GI Concepts
Important Developmental Facts
● Infant stomachs are small and empty every 2–3 hours, requiring frequent feedings.
● Liver and pancreas mature around 6 months.
● No solids before 4 months.
● Pancreatic lipase is immature until 1 year, making fat digestion difficult.
● Infants should:
○ Double birth weight by 6 months
○ Triple birth weight by 1 year
● Straining during stooling is normal in infants due to immature muscles.
Stool Differences
● Breastfed infants → watery stools
● Formula-fed infants → soft/seedy stools
Toddler & Preschool Nutrition
● Toddlers commonly have:
○ decreased appetite
○ food jags
○ picky eating
● Never force-feed children.
● Offer nutritious choices repeatedly.
GI Assessment in Children
, Least invasive → most invasive
1. Inspect
2. Auscultate
3. Palpate
Children may be ticklish, so palpating through clothing may help.
Dehydration
Pathophysiology
Occurs when fluid output exceeds intake.
Clinical Manifestations
● Tachycardia
● Hypotension
● Sunken fontanel
● Dry mucous membranes
● Weight loss
● Irritability
● Decreased tears
● Thirst
Nursing Interventions
● Strict I&O
● Daily weights
● Replace fluids/electrolytes
● Monitor safety and mental status
NCLEX Tips
BEST indicator of dehydration:
● Daily weight
Guide
Based on Galen College of Nursing – Caring for the Child with a Gastrointestinal Condition
General Pediatric GI Concepts
Important Developmental Facts
● Infant stomachs are small and empty every 2–3 hours, requiring frequent feedings.
● Liver and pancreas mature around 6 months.
● No solids before 4 months.
● Pancreatic lipase is immature until 1 year, making fat digestion difficult.
● Infants should:
○ Double birth weight by 6 months
○ Triple birth weight by 1 year
● Straining during stooling is normal in infants due to immature muscles.
Stool Differences
● Breastfed infants → watery stools
● Formula-fed infants → soft/seedy stools
Toddler & Preschool Nutrition
● Toddlers commonly have:
○ decreased appetite
○ food jags
○ picky eating
● Never force-feed children.
● Offer nutritious choices repeatedly.
GI Assessment in Children
, Least invasive → most invasive
1. Inspect
2. Auscultate
3. Palpate
Children may be ticklish, so palpating through clothing may help.
Dehydration
Pathophysiology
Occurs when fluid output exceeds intake.
Clinical Manifestations
● Tachycardia
● Hypotension
● Sunken fontanel
● Dry mucous membranes
● Weight loss
● Irritability
● Decreased tears
● Thirst
Nursing Interventions
● Strict I&O
● Daily weights
● Replace fluids/electrolytes
● Monitor safety and mental status
NCLEX Tips
BEST indicator of dehydration:
● Daily weight
