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.

1. Are the lab results normal or abnormal? If so, which ones?
2. What other treatment and/or medication(s), if any, would be ordered?
3. What complication(s) if any is likely to develop if the symptoms persist? (Discuss one)
4. What education would you provide to the client to prevent this issue in the future?

Answer 1

Ans.

Pt suffers with acute gastrointeritis.

* All lab reports are abnormal, and shows eleltrolyte imbalance.

Normal values of electrolytes are following:

Na + - 136to 146mEq/L(136-146mmol/L)

Cl- : 96-106mmol/L

K+ : 3.5-4.5mmol/L.

* Other medications use in this case is-

- Rehydratiob therapy include normal saline 0.9% and dextrose normal saline helpful in this case.

- antibiotics, if bacteria are the cause e.g . Inj . Monocef, cefexime 1gm.

- drugs to kills the parasites, if parasites are the cause.

- avoid anti- emetic drugs and anti- diarrhoea druha till doctor not prescribed, because this medication will keep infection inside the body.

*the complication of acute gastrointeritis-

- Dehydration

- Malabsorption

- Transients lactose intolerance

- Chronic diarrhoea

- Systemic infection (meningitis, arthritis, pneumonia) because of salmonella infection.

- Sepsis(Salmonella,yersinia, campylobacter organisms)

- Toxic megacolon

- Persistent diarrhoea

- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

- Guillain - Barre- syndrome.

* Health education for preventing AGE in future-

- Wash hand throughly with soap and water after going to the toilet or change nappies, after smoking, after using a handkerchief or tissue, or after handling animals.

- Wash hand throughly with soap and water before preparing food eating.

- Use disposable paper towel to dry towel.

- Do not handle raw and cooked foods with the same implements , unless they have been thoroughly washed between uses.

- Keep all kitchen surfaces and equipment clean

- Keep cold food cold(below 5०C ) and hot food hot above (60oC) to discourage the growth of bacteria .

- Make sure foods are thoroughly cooked.

- Clean the toilet and bathroom regularly, especially the toilet seat ,door handles and taps.

- Clean baby change tables regularly.

- When travelling overseas to countries where sanitation is suspect, only drink bottled water. Don't forget to brush your teeth in Bottled water too. Avoid food buffet, uncooked foods or peeled fruits and vegetables, and ice in drinks.

- Maintain personal hygiene.