Nursing Interventions for Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small and large intestines. It is usually caused by infection with a microorganism but can also be caused by ingestion of chemical toxins or drugs.

• The infection is usually caused by an infection but can be caused by ingesting toxins or drugs.
• Typically, people have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• The diagnosis is based on some laboratory tests and a person's history of recent contact with contaminated people, food, or water or antibiotic use.
• Thoroughly washing the hands after a bowel movement or contact with fecal matter is the best way to prevent infection.
• Antibiotics are used to eliminate only certain kinds of bacteria.

Gastroenteritis usually consists of mild to severe diarrhea that may be accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and discomfort in the abdomen. Although gastroenteritis usually is not serious in a healthy adult, causing only discomfort and inconvenience, it can cause life-threatening dehydration (see Water Balance: Dehydration) and electrolyte imbalance (see Minerals and Electrolytes: Electrolytes) in the very ill or weak, the very young, and the very old. About 3 to 6 million children around the world die each year from infectious gastroenteritis.(merckmanuals.com)


Nursing Diagnosis for Gastroenteritis

Volume of fluid and electrolyte deficit is less than body requirements related to excessive fluid output.

Nursing Interventions for Gastroenteritis

• Observation of vital signs.
• Observation for signs of dehydration.
• Measure input and output of fluid (fluid balance).
• Provide and encourage families to provide drinking a lot less than 2000 - 2500 cc per day.
• Collaboration with doctor in the administration of fluid therapy, electrolyte lab examination.
• Collaboration with the nutrition team in the provision of low-sodium fluids.

Nursing Diagnosis for Gastroenteritis

Impaired nutritional needs less than body requirements related to nausea and vomiting.

Nursing Interventions for Gastroenteritis

• Assess client's nutritional patterns and changes that occur.
• Monitor client's body weight.
• Assess the factors causing the fulfillment of nutritional disorders.
• Perform physical examination of the abdomen (palpation, percussion, and auscultation).
• Give diet in warm conditions, and small portions but frequently.
• Collaboration with a team of nutrition in determining the client's diet.