The nurse is with a newborn that is having radiographic studies to determine if the newborn has esophageal atresia and if the newborn also has tracheoesophageal fistula. When the radiopaque nasogastric tube is passed through the nose to the stomach, it stops at 10 centimeters and the radiographic studies show air in the stomach. The nurse is aware that these finding indicate which of the following conditions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of air in the stomach, despite the nasogastric tube stopping at 10 centimeters, suggests that there is a connection between the trachea and the stomach (tracheoesophageal fistula) allowing air to pass into the stomach. The tube stopping at 10 centimeters indicates esophageal atresia, where the esophagus does not form properly and ends in a pouch rather than connecting to the stomach. Together, these findings indicate esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula.

The Nurse Is with a Newborn That Is Having Radiographic