Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Course overview

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common life-threatening emergency affecting the gastrointestinal tract in infants. NEC causes inflammation of the intestine, which can lead to a serious bacterial infection and necrosis of the intestine. NEC can be life-threatening without aggressive treatment and primarily affects premature infants. Early diagnosis of NEC is crucial for preventing serious complications, so it is important for nurses to be knowledgeable about NEC to promote optimal outcomes for patients. In this course, participants will learn the risk factors and stages of NEC, signs and symptoms, diagnostic criteria for NEC, and different treatment options.