The nurse is caring for an infant admitted with gastroesophageal reflux. Which of the following symptoms is an early indication that the infant has gastroesophageal reflux?

Explanation

• Gastroesophageal reflux is a neuromuscular disturbance in which the lower esophageal sphincter and the lower portion of the esophagus are lax, allowing regurgitation of gastric contents into the esophagus.

• Regurgitation occurs almost immediately after feedings or when the infant is laid down flat after a feeding. If the reflux amount is great, the infant will not retain sufficient calories and will fail to thrive.

Incorrect options:

• Projectile vomiting is seen more commonly in pyloric stenosis.

• Currant jelly stools are characteristics of intussusceptions.

• Steatorrhea occurs in malabsorption disorders.

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