Gastroenteritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Nursing Interventions - PDF

GASTROENTERITIS : Acute GI infection within the stomach or the small bowel. Pathogen can be transmitted via: Fecal-oral route Contaminated food and water Person to person in crowd place VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS Norovirus Rotavirus Enteric adenovirus BACTER...

GASTROENTERITIS : Acute GI infection within the stomach or the small bowel. Pathogen can be transmitted via: Fecal-oral route Contaminated food and water Person to person in crowd place VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS Norovirus Rotavirus Enteric adenovirus BACTERIAL GASTROENTERITIS associated to food poisoning Salmonella Shigella E.coli CLINICAL FEATURES Bloody diarrhea with certain bacterial infections Nausea, vomiting Fever Leukocytosis Presence of inflammation and increased amount of activity withing the bowel contributes to abdominal pain, cramping and hyperactive bowel sounds. Abdominal tenderness RISK FACTORS: Immunosuppressed Younger age, Older age COMPLICATIONS Dehydration and hypovolemia due to diarrhea and emesis occurring Fluid loss leads to tachycardia, dry mucous membrane, hypotension, altered mental status Electrolyte abnormalities. Bowel is important for absorbing electrolytes and diarrhea leads to electrolyte imbalance Excess diarrhea will lead to Hypokalemia Metabolic acidosis NURSING INTERVENTION Monitor dehydration (mild to moderate) - oral rehydration solution Severe dehydration: IV fluids Advance diet as tolerated Avoid carbonated beverages – known to be “gas producing” Avoid fluids that contain high sugar as this can lead to an increase amount of diarrhea Antiemetics Monitor I&O Monitor serum electrolytes Monitor perianal skin integrity Proper Hand hygiene Apply your knowledge on electrolytes and imbalance when dealing with diarrhea and vomiting as symptoms of any underlying disease.