Necrotizing enterocolitis
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Necrotizing enterocolitis
Also testable as: NEC
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Prematurity, intestinal immaturity, feeding intolerance, ischemia, and bacterial factors contribute.
- Inflammation and ischemia injure bowel wall, risking necrosis, perforation, sepsis, and shock.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics by class | Broad-spectrum antibiotics are commonly part of NEC management. |
Signs / symptoms
- Preterm infant with distended abdomen and bloody stool.
- Pneumatosis intestinalis on x-ray.
- Feeding intolerance can be danger cue.
Nursing actions
- Assess abdominal distention, residuals/emesis, bloody stools, temperature instability, apnea, lethargy, and perfusion.
- Stop feeds/NPO per order, decompress with NG/OG tube, maintain IV fluids/TPN, and monitor labs/imaging.
- Prepare for antibiotics and surgical evaluation if perforation or deterioration occurs.
Complications
- Bowel perforation
- Sepsis
- Shock
- Short bowel syndrome
- Death
NCLEX cues
- Preterm infant with distended abdomen and bloody stool.
- Pneumatosis intestinalis on x-ray.
- Feeding intolerance can be danger cue.
Memory hooks
- NEC is sick bowel in a fragile newborn.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Abdominal x-ray
- CBC
- Blood cultures
- Electrolytes
- ABG/lactate if shock concern
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.
Cross references
Related cards are generated from the shared study map, not hand-built per page.
Condition card for Necrotizing enterocolitis: recognize the testable cue, prevent the complication, and choose the safest first nursing action.
Serious newborn intestinal inflammation and injury.
Tube through the nose or mouth into the stomach for decompression, feeding, or medication delivery.
Order to withhold oral food, fluids, or medications unless specifically allowed.
Targets bacterial growth or cell structures; exact teaching depends on the antibiotic class.
Post-operative care after bowel repair, resection, or obstruction-related surgery.
NG or OG tube used to remove stomach or bowel contents and reduce distention/vomiting.