Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and the small bowel, Gastroenteritis (also called intestinal flu, traveler's diarrhea, viral enteritis, and food poisoning) is an inflammation of the stomach and small intestine that is self-limiting. The bowel reacts to any of the varied causes of gastroenteritis with hyper motility, producing severe diarrhea and secondary depletion of intracellular fluid.The stomach and small bowel react to any of the causative agents with inflammation and increased gastrointestinal (GI) motility, thus leading to severe diarrhea . Gastroenteritis is a common disease throughout the world, and often outbreaks occur in epidemics, especially among people who are living in crowded conditions.
Gastroenteritis occurs in people of all ages. It's a major cause of morbidity and mortality in underdeveloped nations. In the United States, this disorder ranks second to the common cold as a cause of lost work time and fifth as the cause of death among young children. It can be life-threatening in elderly and debilitated people.
Causes for Gastroenteritis
The majority of organisms that cause intestinal infections are acquired through contaminated food and water. The major risk factor for gastroenteritis that is caused by food poisoning is improper handling and storage of food. Bacterial or viral food poisoning usually occurs within 16 hours after eating contaminated food:
- Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium botulinum, C. Perfringens, and Escherichia coli
- Amoebae, especially Entamoeba histolytica
- Parasites, such as Ascaris, Enterobius, and Trichinella spiralis
- Viruses, such as adenoviruses, echoviruses, and coxsackieviruses
- Ingestion of toxins, such as poisonous plants and toadstools
- Drug reactions from antibiotics
- Food allergens
Complications:
- dehydration and
- loss of crucial electrolytes, which can lead to
- shock,
- vascular collapse,
- renal failure
Assessment Nursing Care Plans for gastroenteritis
- acute onset of diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain and discomfort
- cramping, nausea, and vomiting
- malaise,
- fatigue,
- anorexia,
- fever,
- abdominal distention
- rumbling in the lower abdomen
Nursing diagnoses Nursing Care Plans for gastroenteritis
- Acute pain
- Diarrhea
- Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
- Risk for deficient fluid volume
Key outcomes Nursing Care Plans for gastroenteritis
The patient will:
- express feelings of comfort.
- Patient's bowel elimination pattern will return to normal.
- Maintain weight without further loss.
- Maintain adequate fluid volume
Nursing interventions Nursing Care Plans for gastroenteritis
For Nursing interventions and Patient teaching for gastroenteritis related to nursing diagnosis here