Gastroenteritis

Introduction:

An acute inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa which is most com-
monly due to bacterial, viral, protozoal, or parasitic infection. It may also be caused
by irritation due to chemical or toxin exposure or allergic response. Viral exposure
is more likely in winter; bacterial exposure is more common in summer when
food-borne illness exposure is likely.

PROGNOSIS

Symptoms may be self-limiting or may need prescription medication to resolve the
illness. Older or debilitated patients may have more severe symptoms or require
hospitalization due to dehydration.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Nausea and vomiting due to gastric irritation
• Diarrhea—watery, soft, may be mixed with mucous or blood
• Abdominal pain due to intestinal irritation
• Abdominal distention
• Fever due to infection
• Anorexia due to gastric irritation
• Malaise due to infection
• Headache due to viral illness
• Signs of dehydration—dry, flushed skin and mucous membranes, decreased
urine output, tachycardia, poor skin turgor, orthostatic blood pressure changes

TREATMENT

• Monitor intake and output.
• Replace fluids lost.
• Administer antiemetic medication for symptom relief:
• prochlorperazine
• trimethobenzamide
• Administer antidiarrheal medications for symptom relief:
• loperamide
• diphenoxylate
• kaolin-pectin
• bismuth subsalicylate
• Need to allow organism one way out of gastrointestinal system (either anti-
emetic or antidiarrheal, not both).
• ciprofloxacin
• metronidazole
• Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration.
emetic or antidiarrheal, not both).

NURSING DIAGNOSES

• Risk for imbalanced nutrition: less than what body requires
• Deficient fluid volume
• Altered bowel elimination
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

NURSING INTERVENTION

• Monitor vital signs for changes.
• Monitor intake and output.
• Replace fluids lost.
• Assess skin and mucous membranes for signs of dehydration.
• Assess abdomen for bowel sounds, tenderness