Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)is an acute inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal mucosa that can progress to perforation of the bowel.Approximately 2% to 5% of premature infants succumb to this fatal disease.Care is supportive; however,known interventions may decrease the risk of NEC.To develop an optimal plan of care for this infant,the nurse must understand which intervention has the greatest effect on lowering the risk of NEC:

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A decrease in the incidence of NEC is directly correlated with exclusive breastfeeding.Breast milk enhances maturation of the gastrointestinal tract and contains immune factors that contribute to a lower incidence or severity of NEC,Crohn's disease,and celiac illness.The neonatal intensive care unit nurse can be very supportive of the mother in terms of providing her with equipment to pump breast milk,ensuring privacy,and encouraging skin-to-skin contact with the infant.Early enteral feedings of formula or hyperosmolar feedings are a risk factor known to contribute to the development of NEC.The mother should be encouraged to pump or feed breast milk exclusively.Exchange transfusion may be necessary; however,it is a known risk factor for the development of NEC.Although still early,a study in 2005 found that the introduction of prophylactic probiotics appeared to enhance the normal flora of the bowel and therefore decrease the severity of NEC when it did occur.This treatment modality is not as widespread as encouraging breastfeeding; however,it is another strategy that the care providers of these extremely fragile infants may have at their disposal.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)is an Acute Inflammatory Disease of the Gastrointestinal