The nurse is caring for a newborn diagnosed with esophageal atresia and a tracheoesophageal fistula. Symptoms characteristic of this condition include:

Explanation

•The initial feeding of a newborn will reveal the presence of an esophageal atresia with a tracheoesophageal fistula. The infant will begin to choke and cough since the normal route for swallowing is not present. The abnormality will also cause excessive drooling by the infant and cyanosis.

•Esophageal atresia is when the esophagus terminates in a blind pouch and does not connect to the stomach. Also, there is a fistula that connects the stomach to the trachea, leading to aspiration.

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