What characteristic should a nurse expect the stool of a preterm newborn with necrotizing enterocolitis to look like?

In the context of a preterm newborn diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the stool is expected to present as bloody or green, which is indicative of the condition's severity. NEC can lead to inflammation and damage of the intestinal lining, potentially causing areas of ischemia and necrosis. The presence of blood in the stool is a serious sign, suggesting that the intestines might be bleeding due to the damage caused by the disease.

Furthermore, green stools can occur as bile accumulates in the intestines and is not properly absorbed or processed due to the necrotic processes at play. This is particularly important in a preterm infant, whose gastrointestinal system is already vulnerable and underdeveloped, making it more susceptible to such complications.

The characteristics of the stool can provide critical insight into the gastrointestinal health of the newborn, and observing bloody or green stools can prompt immediate clinical intervention to assess the extent of NEC and manage the newborn's care appropriately.