Consider aspects of daily life that we focus on most, and certainly high on the list, if not at the very top of the chart, is food. Our first concern may be how to have adequate food or nourishing food or food that just tastes really good. Whatever the priority, food is pretty much understood by everyone to be a need worthy of our full attention at least three times a day.

Week 7: Evaluation and Management of Gastrointestinal Conditions
Consider aspects of daily life that we focus on most, and certainly high on the list, if not at the very top of the chart, is food. Our first concern may be how to have adequate food or nourishing food or food that just tastes really good. Whatever the priority, food is pretty much understood by everyone to be a need worthy of our full attention at least three times a day.
 
Food, as well as water, are essential to life, and nutritious options in particular. But intake of food, water, and other liquids is not enough. The body also must have a well-functioning digestive system to extract the nutrients to feed the cells and produce the energy for all systems to operate. For children, this is especially critical to ensure optimum growth and development.
 
When it functions normally, the pediatric digestive system runs smoothly. However, for just about every child, there are days when it does not; for some children, disruptively often. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common complaints in patients from babies to teens. Problems may range from an isolated illness, to chronic issues such as lactose or gluten intolerance, to injuries or malformations of the organs necessary for digestion.
 
Working with families to address GI conditions in children and adolescents can be particularly challenging when management interferes with family food and beverage preferences or involves extreme diligence in choice and preparation. Be mindful of the socio-cultural diversity of your pediatric families and the role that food, including amount, plays in a family’s understanding of “good care” of infants and toddlers, of physical and cognitive development as children grow. Also be aware of how deep stressors such as food insecurity can impact how well families can maintain GI treatment and management plans.
 
This week the Learning Resources and the i-Human Case Study Assignment will help you prepare for treating pediatric patients with gastrointestinal conditions and supporting their families with targeted advice or comprehensive education.
 
Learning Objectives
Students will:
 
Assess pediatric patients with signs of gastrointestinal conditions
Evaluate health conditions of pediatric patients
Formulate differential diagnoses for pediatric gastrointestinal conditions
Analyze socio-cultural needs of pediatric patients and families
Formulate evidence-based treatment and management plans for pediatric patients with gastrointestinal conditions
Recommend evidence-based strategies for educating patients and families on treatment and management of gastrointestinal conditions