A nurse is caring for an infant who has necrotizing enterocolitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Vomiting is a common symptom of NEC. It can occur due to the inflammation and necrosis in the intestines, which disrupt normal digestion and absorption. In NEC, the vomit may also contain bile or even blood, depending on the severity of the condition. B. Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, can be observed in infants with NEC, though it is not the most specific sign. Tachypnea may result from the body's response to systemic infection or sepsis, which can occur with NEC. However, tachypnea alone is not as directly indicative of NEC compared to other signs. C. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a typical finding associated with NEC. The condition is more commonly linked with signs of gastrointestinal distress and systemic infection. Hypertension is less commonly observed in this context and is not a primary indicator of NEC. D. A rounded abdomen can be a sign of abdominal distension, which is a key finding in NEC. Abdominal distension occurs due to the accumulation of gas and fluid in the intestines as a result of inflammation and necrosis. This can lead to a visibly swollen or rounded appearance of the abdomen.