Intussusception

Is a condition that develops when one part of the intestine folds into itself like a telescope. It most commonly occurs between the lower part of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The cause may be idiopathic (cause is unknown), although some viral and bacterial infections of the intestine may possibly contribute to intussusception in infancy. In older children and adults, the causes are believed to be due to polyps or tumors. It occurs commonly in infant ages 5 to 10 months and rarely in older children and adults. Boys develop the condition two times more often than girls. Assessment: 1. Recurring episodes of severe abdominal pain; legs drawn up, child is inconsolable. 2. Blood in stool or later currant jelly stools containing sloughed mucosa, blood, and mucus. 3. Vomiting 4. Dances sign sausage like mass palpable in abdomen. 5. Abdominal distention, bowel sound diminished absent or high pitch. Diagnostic evaluation 1. X-ray of abdomen 2. Barium enema 3. Ultrasonogram/ultrasound 4. Color Doppler sonography. Nursing intervention 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Monitor IV fluids. Be alert for respiratory distress. Monitor vital signs, urine output, pain, and distention preoperatively and postoperatively. Observe infants behavior. Explain to the parents the cause of pain. Administer analgesic as prescribed. Maintain NPO status as ordered. Insert NGT if ordered. Continually reassess condition. After reduction by hydrostatic enema, monitor vital signs and general condition. Encourage follow up care. Provide anticipatory guidance for developmental age of child.