Using Physical Exam to Aid in the Diagnosis of Feeding Issues (305)

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT

CE: 1

NCC Codes:
RNC-NIC: 1
NNP-BC: 1
RNC-LRN: 2

Main Presenter(s)

Michele K. Savin, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC

Assistant Professor and NNP Program Director
Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing
Wilmington, Delaware, United States

Disclosure: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Handouts

Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships:

Michele K. Savin, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.

Nurses are often the first person to notice differences in the neonatal physical exam; therefore, it is imperative that they are able to differentiate normal from abnormal. Strong understanding of expected anatomy and physiology and rapid assessment of differences aids the diagnostic process and informs next steps for clinicians and parents alike. Additionally, understanding how to intervene when feeding is interrupted by anatomic differences allows the nurse to support maximal growth and development. This presentation will strengthen assessment skills and provide nurses with tools to support infants and families who face feeding challenges such as cleft palate, pyloric stenosis and gastrointestinal reflux.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, the learner will be able to:

Summarize the development of the gastrointestinal system from conception to infancy.
Differentiate normal and abnormal gastrointestinal exam states.
Formulate feeding approaches to improve the growth of infants with underlying GI system disturbances.