Necrotizing enterocolitis
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
OB / NewbornPediatricsGI / Liver / PancreasInfectious Diseasehigh priorityneeds review
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. |
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.