Question

Mary is a 12 -month old, who has been vomiting for the past 12 hours. Mary woke up at 5 AM but has not been able to “hold anything down”. Mary’s mother is concerned because it is now 4:00 pm. Mary’s mother calls the primary care office and is recommended by the nurse to have Mary evaluated at the clinic (Dr. Office). On initial assessment, Mary is lethargic and very quiet. She has mild nasal congestion and Her lips and skin are dry. She occasionally cries but does not produce tears. Mary’s diaper has not been changed since 5 am and is currently dry upon this visitation to the clinic. Note: The season is late winter.

Question: What is a safety teaching for the parent of 12 month year old child?

Answer 1

         Mary, a one year old baby has severe vomiting, lethargy and tiredness. Moreover, her lips and skin are dried and she is not wetting the diaper due to dehydration.She has also mild nasal congestion. Hence it is the responsibility of the nurse to take initiative in educating the parent.

         The nurses should provide awareness about the illeffects of impaired electrolyte imbalance. This can be maintained by the adequate intake of lots of fluids. The fluids can be provided in different forms such as juice, sips of water etc. If the baby is tired they can always provide her oral electrolyte solution which can nourish and balance with lost fluids and minerals. Sometimes,it can be severe infection which cannot be subsided with home care. In this case, parent has to immediately bring the baby to the hospital for emergency care. So that nurse can provide intravenous fluids, antibiotics to treat infection,anti emetics to reduce vomiting as per practioner's order.

   The parent should also be informed to maintain hygeine for baby and mother. Parent should always wash her hands before and after giving care to her. Apart from this, taking a shower is mandatory to prevent infection. Parent can encourage the baby to take steam as she has mild congestion and avoid giving food which is refrigerated.