Meconium Ileus involves pathological processes affecting GI mucosal integrity, motility, secretion, absorption, or hepatobiliary function. Meconium Ileus pathophysiology includes epithelial barrier disruption, inflammatory cascades (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6), microbiome dysbiosis, and enteric nervous system dysfunction. Connect Meconium Ileus to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. NCLEX items often reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.