SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME RESEARCH & NURSING CARE PLAN
What Is Short Bowel Syndrome?
Short bowel syndrome happens when the small bowel (intestine) is too short. It can't fully absorb enough of the
nutrients that kids need to grow, like water, protein, fat, and sugar. Food that isn’t fully absorbed stays in the
intestine and can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, malnourishment, and other problems.
Children with short bowel syndrome often need to get parenteral nutrition to help them grow. This is nutrition
given through a special IV into a vein.
1.Diarrhea: Chronic or recurrent episodes of diarrhea are common in children with SBS due to malabsorption
of nutrients and fluids in the shortened intestine.
2.Abdominal Pain: Children may experience abdominal discomfort or pain, which can vary in severity and
frequency.
3.Poor Weight Gain: Despite adequate caloric intake, children with SBS may have difficulty gaining weight or
may experience failure to thrive due to malabsorption of nutrients.
4.Fatigue and Weakness: Nutritional deficiencies resulting from malabsorption can lead to fatigue, weakness,
and lethargy in children with SBS.
5.Steatorrhea: Fatty, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea) may occur due to inadequate digestion and absorption
of fats in the intestine.
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Scenario:
Eight-year-old Daniel has been experiencing recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fatigue, and diarrhea for
several months. His stools appear oily, bulky, and foul-smelling. His parents have also noticed that despite
eating regularly, Daniel's weight gain has been poor, and he often complains of feeling weak.
NANDA Based Diagnosis:
Imbalanced Nutrition related to malabsorption as evidenced by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fatigue,
and diarrhea; oily, bulky, and foul-smelling stools; poor weight gain despite regular eating; and complaints of
feeling weak.
Data:
1. The patient points out pain in his belly button area, pain scale indicates severe pain, rated at 8/10 on the
Wong-Baker scale
2. The patient is observed often appears tired and lacks energy
3. x3 episodes of diarrhea
4. Stools of patient are oily, bulky, and foul-smelling
5. Weight: 20kg, Height: 122cm BMI: 13.4 (underweight)
What Is Short Bowel Syndrome?
Short bowel syndrome happens when the small bowel (intestine) is too short. It can't fully absorb enough of the
nutrients that kids need to grow, like water, protein, fat, and sugar. Food that isn’t fully absorbed stays in the
intestine and can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, malnourishment, and other problems.
Children with short bowel syndrome often need to get parenteral nutrition to help them grow. This is nutrition
given through a special IV into a vein.
1.Diarrhea: Chronic or recurrent episodes of diarrhea are common in children with SBS due to malabsorption
of nutrients and fluids in the shortened intestine.
2.Abdominal Pain: Children may experience abdominal discomfort or pain, which can vary in severity and
frequency.
3.Poor Weight Gain: Despite adequate caloric intake, children with SBS may have difficulty gaining weight or
may experience failure to thrive due to malabsorption of nutrients.
4.Fatigue and Weakness: Nutritional deficiencies resulting from malabsorption can lead to fatigue, weakness,
and lethargy in children with SBS.
5.Steatorrhea: Fatty, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea) may occur due to inadequate digestion and absorption
of fats in the intestine.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Scenario:
Eight-year-old Daniel has been experiencing recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fatigue, and diarrhea for
several months. His stools appear oily, bulky, and foul-smelling. His parents have also noticed that despite
eating regularly, Daniel's weight gain has been poor, and he often complains of feeling weak.
NANDA Based Diagnosis:
Imbalanced Nutrition related to malabsorption as evidenced by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fatigue,
and diarrhea; oily, bulky, and foul-smelling stools; poor weight gain despite regular eating; and complaints of
feeling weak.
Data:
1. The patient points out pain in his belly button area, pain scale indicates severe pain, rated at 8/10 on the
Wong-Baker scale
2. The patient is observed often appears tired and lacks energy
3. x3 episodes of diarrhea
4. Stools of patient are oily, bulky, and foul-smelling
5. Weight: 20kg, Height: 122cm BMI: 13.4 (underweight)
