Question

Sam Jones 36y/o gastroenteritis. Vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days. labs Na+ 128, K+ 2.8, Ca+ 8.5.

what interventions are needed.

Provide areason for why you would perform weigh daily, take apical pulse, assess lungs, check neck veins

Answer 1

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestine ; often caused by an infection.

Interventions :

Assess: general condition of the patient, level of Consciousness, intake and output chart, frequency of vomiting , monitor tetemperature for fever etc.

* Rehydration with fluid and electrolytes as there is electrolyte imbalance and dehydration due to continous vomiting and diarrhoea.

Patient's values

Sodium level: 128 (Normal135 - 145 mmol/L ) Decreased - Hyponatrenmia

Potassium: 2.8 ( Normal 3-5.5 mmol/ L) - Decreased

* Intravenous infusion of fluids and electrolytes as per physician's order

* Monitor vital signs, especially Pulse and Blood pressure

* Encourage and provide the patient with plenty of fluids

* Administer Antiemetics and Antidiarrheals as per physician's order

* Provide a soft and bland diet , avoid spices and other irritants of stomach.

( Other interventions with reasons)

* Check the weight daily

Reason: Acute weight loss is an indicator severe dehydration

* Check the apical pulse and assess lungs:

Assess apical pulse to check if there is any pulse deficit, ( difference between radial and apical pulse) that indicates problems with Cardiac functioning due to dehydration. Electrolyte imbalance may cause irregular heartbeats . The patient is having electrolyte imbalance.  

Dehydration may cause breathing changes so assess lungs for detecting breathing changes .

* Check neck veins :

Reason: sign of volume depletion is the inability to detect jugular pulse of patient in supine position .