Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Prenatal Developmental Disorders Examination:
Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, Esophageal Atresia, Tracheoesophageal Fistula,
Imperforate Anus, Omphalocele, Gastroschisis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Failure
to Thrive, Dehydration, Malabsorption, Lactose Intolerance, Celiac Disease,
Appendicitis, Pyloric Stenosis, Intussusception, Volvulus, Hirschsprung Disease,
Nutritional Deficits, Electrolyte Imbalance, Acid-Base Disturbances, Metabolic
Acidosis, Fluid Replacement, Surgical Interventions, Preoperative Care,
Postoperative Care, Airway Management, Pain Control, Infection Prevention,
Feeding Strategies, Diagnostic Assessments, Parental Education,
Multidisciplinary Management Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Disorders of PrenatalDevelopment
-Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate
-Esophageal Atresia & Tracheoesophageal Fistula
-Imperforate Anus
-Gastroschisis & Omphalocele
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Failure of maxillary and median nasal processes to fuse during embryonic development
Cleft lip and cleft palate -
•How is it diagnosed?
•What are 2 potential life-threatening concerns related to the child born with a cleft lip and cleft palate?
dx = during newborn assessment or sometimes if seen on fetal ultrasound.
,life threatening = airway = aspiration or resp. distress
Cleft lip and Cleft Palate:Treatment
•Management is based on severity
•Surgical repair of cleft lip is done by age 3 to 6 months
•Reconstruction begins in infancy and can continue through adulthood
•Multidisciplinary approach
•Care provided by the family prior to surgery
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Pre-op Nursing Care
Offer support - Remind parents that defect is operable- show photographs of corrected clefts
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Post-op Nursing Care
Prevent trauma to suture line
Reduce pain
Prevent infection
Nutrition
Complications
Referrals
Esophageal Atresia & Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF)
Malformation from failure of esophagus to develop as a continuous tube
An atresia is the absence or closure of a normal body tubular passage, such as the esophagus that ends
in a blind pouch.
,A tracheoesophageal fistula is when the esophagus connects with the trachea
What is the nurse's major concerns related to the child with tracheoesophageal fistula & esophageal
atresia?
airway management = aspiration & respiratory distress
Esophageal Atresia and TEF:Signs and Symptoms
•Three "C's": Coughing, choking, and cyanosis
•Rattling respirations
•Inability to pass suction catheter at birth
•Gastric distention, if fistula
•Maternal history of hydramnios
Esophageal Atresia and TEF:Diagnosis and Management
•If suspected prenatally, diagnosis can be made at birth.
•Surgical repair
•Thoracotomy and anastomosis
Esophageal Atresia and TEF:Nursing Care Pre-op
•Maintain Airway
•Monitor intake/output
•Thermoregulation
•Administer prophylactic antibiotics
, Esophageal Atresia and TEF:Nursing Care Post-op
•Maintain airway
•Maintain thermoregulation
•Manage pain
•Prevent trauma
•Maintain nutrition
•Monitor for potential complications
•Post op teaching
Imperforate Anus
Incomplete development or absence of anus in its normal position in perineum.
Imperforate Anus: Assessment
•Commonly diagnosed during newborn assessment
•Symptoms
•Failure to pass meconium
•Absent anorectal canal
•Presence of anal membrane
•External fistula
Imperforate Anus: Treatment and Nursing Care
•Treatment
•Anal stenosis is treated with repeated anal dilation