Question

A 36-year-old client was admitted with gastroenteritis. She has been vomiting and having severe diarrhea for 2 days. She is very weak. The current laboratory results are Na+ 128 mEq/L, K+ 3.0 mEq/L, Cl− 90 mEq/L. The physician orders IV of 0.9% normal saline solution at 100 mL/hr, NPO, and I & O.

Are the lab results normal or abnormal? If so, which ones?

What other treatment and/or medication(s), if any, would be ordered?

What complication(s) if any is likely to develop if the symptoms persist? (Discuss one)

What education would you provide to the client to prevent this issue in the future?

Answer 1

Ans1) Abnormal

normal electrolytes are:

Na+ 135-145 mEq/L

K+ 3.6-5.2mEq/L

Cl- 97-107mEq/L

The vomiting of gastric or intestinal contents most commonly involves the loss of fluid that contains chloride, potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate.

Ans2)

Treatment for gastroenteritis

• plenty of fluids.
• oral rehydration drinks, available from your pharmacist.
• admission to hospital and intravenous fluid replacement, in severe cases.
• antibiotics, if bacteria are the cause.
• drugs to kill the parasites, if parasites are the cause.

Ampicillin is preferred for drug-sensitive strains.
IF  ampicillin-resistant strains or in cases of penicillin allergy

trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the drug of choice

Ans3) Persistent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to abdominal pain, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, and dehydration. In young children, diarrhea and vomiting can cause an electrolyte imbalance, which is very dangerous and can lead to death if untreated.

Prevent Gastroenteritis

1. Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before food preparation.
2. Don't share kitchen utensils, plates, or towels if someone in your household is sick.
3. Don't eat raw or undercooked foods.
4. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.