Acute Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

DEFINITION:

 Acute gastroenteritis is a sudden condition that causes irritation and

inflammation of the stomach and intestines or the gastrointestinal
tract.
 Viral infection is the most commoncause of gastroenteritis but
bacteria, parasites, and food-borne illness (such as shellfish) can also
cause acute gastroenteritis.
 Fifty to seventy percent of cases of gastroenteritis in adults are caused
by the noroviruses while rotavirus is the leading cause of infection in
children. Staphylococcus aureus can form a toxin that cause food
poisoning while the resident Escherichia coli can also cause significant
problems.
 Many people who experience symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea,
which develop from these types of infections or irritations believe they
have food poisoning, and they indeed have a food-borne illness.
 The severity of gastroenteritis depends on the immune system’s ability
to resist and fight the infection. Electrolytes, especially sodium and
potassium may be lost if the client continue to vomit and experience
diarrhea.
 Most people recover easily from a short course of vomiting and
diarrhea by drinking lots of fluids and resuming a typical diet. But for
some, especially the young and the old, loss of body fluids with
gastroenteritis can cause dehydration, which is a life-threatening
condition unless it is treated and fluids are replaced.

Clinical Manifestations:

 Low grade fever to 100°F (37.8°C)

 Nausea with or without vomiting
 Mild to moderate diarrhea
 Crampy and painful abdominal bloating
 Blood in vomit or stool
 Vomiting more than 48 hours
 Fever higher than 101°F (40°C)
 Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain
 Dehydration that is manifested by weakness, lightheadedness,
decreased and concentrated urination, dry skin and poor turgor, and
dry lips and mouth

Pathophysiology:

The mechanisms potentially responsible for viral diarrhea include lysis

of enterocytes, interference with the brush border function that leads to
malabsorption of electrolytes, stimulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate
(cAMP), and carbohydrate malabsorption. For bacterial gastroenteritis, the
pathophysiology involves the elaboration of toxin by enterotoxigenic
pathogens and the invasion and inflammation of mucosa by invasive
pathogens. Parasitic organisms invade epithelial cells and cause villus
atrophy and eventual malabsorption.

Diagnostic Tests:
 Blood test
 Analysis of stool samples
 Electrolyte tests
 Physical examination to rule other existing conditions such as
appendicitis

Medical Management:
Hospitalization:
 Hydration through intravenous line.
 Replacement of fluid losses volume per volume.
 Encourage small, frequent feedings.
Nursing care plan

Drug study:
1. DRUG NAME Paracetamol
DOSE/FREQUENCY/ROUTE 500 mg 1 tab q4h PRN for fever
CLASSIFICATION Analgesic; antipyretic
MECHANISM OF ACTION May produce analgesic effect by blocking pain
impulses, by inhibiting prostaglandin or pain receptor sensitizers. May
relieve fever by actingon hypothalamic heat-regulating center.
Relieves fever.
SPECIFIC INDICATION For fever.
CONTRAINDICATION Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to
drug or its components.
SIDE EFFECTS Anemia, jaundice, rash, urticaria. NURSING
PRECAUTION Do not administer for fever that’s above 39.5° C, lasts
longer than 3 days or recurs.

2. DRUG NAME AMBROXOL

DOSE/FREQUENCY/ROUTE 0.75ml TID P.O
CLASSIFICATION Cough and Cold Preparation
MECHANISM OF ACTION Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent. It acts by
increasing the respiratory tract secretion of lower viscosity mucus and
exerting a positive influence on the alveolar surfactant system which
leads to improved mucus flow and transport. Expectoration of mucus is
thus facilitated.
SPECIFIC INDICATION Cough CONTRAINDICATION Hypersensitivity to
ambroxol or any ingredient of Ambrolex.
SIDE EFFECTS Mild GI side effects.
NURSING PRECAUTION Should be taken with food. 20

3. DRUG NAME GENTAMYCIN

DOSE/FREQUENCY/ROUTE IVT q 8 ANST
CLASSIFICATION Amino glycoside MECHANISM OF ACTION Broad-
spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from Micromonospora
purpurea. Action is usually bacteriocidal.
SPECIFIC INDICATION Parenteral use restricted to treatment of
serious infections of GI CONTRAINDICATION History of hypersensitivity
to or toxic reaction with any aminoglycoside antibiotic. Safe use during
pregnancy (category C) or lactation is not established
SIDE EFFECTS
a. an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat;
hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
b little or no urine;
c. decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
d. dizziness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness;
e. numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching, or seizures; or
f. severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
NURSING PRECAUTION Draw blood specimens for peak serum
gentamicin concentration 30 min–1h after IM administration, and 30
min after completion of a 30–60 min IV infusion. Draw blood
specimens for trough levels just before the next IM or IV dose. Use
nonheparinized tubes to collect blood.
 EVALUATION

Castillo, Carlo Trhoy D.

Caasi, Kris Cinderella R.

Our head nursing are approachable you can ask for help and they’re
going to help you. They are also punctual, always on time. They know what
they are doing and they give hard pre-test..^^,
 PERSONAL VITAE

Name:

Chrissia Laine Manzano Milo

Nickname:

Isha, Chre, Milo

Age:
19 years old

Birthday:
April 26, 1991

Address:
Blk 8 Lot 2 Acacia Street Camella Seville Townhomes Habay II Bacoor,
Cavite

E-mail address:
chrissia12@yahoo.com

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From 5 years from now:

Working as a nurse overseas…..