CASE PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES
CASE PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES
General Objectives
After an hour and a half of case presentation:
The presenters, the audience, and the clinical instructors will
be acquainted with the vital information; patients health history;
normal anatomy and physiology of gastrointestinal system;
pathophysiology of the disease; clinical manifestations; medical
and surgical managements; diagnostic tests; nursing care plan; and
discharge plan of a client with gastroenteritis.
Specific ObjectivesFor the presenterThe presenter will be able
to:
Impart the patients vital information and health
history;Elaborate the normal anatomy and physiology of the
gastrointestinal system;Illustrate the pathophysiology of
gastroenteritis;Discuss the clinical manifestations;Explain the
medical and surgical management;Differentiate the normal and
abnormal values of laboratory and diagnostic tests;Prioritize the
identified problems; andOutline the discharge plan.
For the studentsThe students will be able to:
Comprehend the patients vital information and health
history;Relate the normal anatomy and physiology of the
gastrointestinal system;Create a diagram of the pathophysiology of
gastroenteritis;Distinguish the clinical manifestations;Appreciate
the importance of medical and surgical management;Contrast normal
from abnormal values of laboratory and diagnostic tests:Critique
the nursing care plan; andApply the discharge plan.
For the Clinical InstructorsThe clinical instructors will be
able to:
Ask questions regarding the normal anatomy and physiology of the
gastrointestinal system;Critique the pathophysiology of
gastroenteritis;Differentiate the clinical manifestations of
gastroenteritis;Critique the nursing care plan; andModify the
discharge plan.
INTRODUCTIONGastroenteritis, or enteritis, is an inflammation of
the stomach and small intestine. Enteritis may be caused by
bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. Upper GI manifestations
such as anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are common. Diarrhea of
varying intensity and abdominal discomfort are nearly universal
features of gastroenteritis. (LeMone, 2010)
The infectious organism usually enters the body in contaminated
water or food. For this reason, gastroenteritis often is called
food poisoning. Viruses commonly cause acute diarrheal illness.
Diarrhea due to rotaviruses or the Norwalk virus occurs year-round
in both adults and children. These illnesses are generally mild and
self-limited, but can have severe consequences in the very young,
the very old, or in people with impaired immune function. (LeMone,
2010)
In our case study for this morning, we are focusing about our
patient which is an infant. Although often considered a benign
disease, gastroenteritis remains a major cause of morbidity and
mortality in children around the world, accounting for 1.34 million
deaths annually in children younger than 5 years, or roughly 15% of
all child deaths.. As the disease severity depends on the degree of
fluid loss, accurately assessing dehydration status remains a
crucial step in preventing mortality. Luckily, most cases of
dehydration in children can be accurately diagnosed by a careful
clinical examination and treated with simple, cost-effective
measures. Although dehydration technically refers to pure water
loss and can be associated with euvolemic or even hypervolemic
states in certain pediatric disorders, the term is used in its more
general sense to mean overall fluid or volume loss due to diarrhea.
(http://emedicine.medscape.com)
Specific Types of Gastrointestinal Infections: (LeMone,
2010)
Travelers Diarrhea - People traveling to another country
frequently develop diarrhea within 2 to 10 days, particularly when
there is a significant difference in climate, sanitation standards,
or food or drink. Strains of enterotoxin-producing E. coli,
Shigella species, Salmonella, and Campylobacter are the most
frequent causes of travelers diarrhea (Yates, 2005). Other bacteria
and viruses also may cause travelers diarrhea. Up to 10 or more
loose stools per day and abdominal cramping are common
manifestations. Nausea and vomiting are less frequent; fever is
rare. Manifestations usually resolve within 2 to 5 days.
Complications are rare.
Escherichia Coli Hemorrhagic Colitis - most pathologic forms of
E. coli bacteria cause little more than common travelers diarrhea.
However, some strains, such as serotype 0157:H7, produce a potent
enterotoxin in the large intestine after being ingested. This toxin
damages bowel mucosa and the endothelial cells of blood vessels as
well, such as those of the kidney.The onset of hemorrhagic colitis
is abrupt, with severe abdominal cramping and watery diarrhea that
becomes grossly bloody within 24 hours. Fever may be present.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
are significant complications of E. coli hemorrhagic colitis.
Staphylococcal Food Poisoning - Certain foods provide an
excellent medium for staphylococcal growth when contaminated and
left at room temperature. Examples include meats and fish, dairy
products, and bakery products. The organism itself does not affect
the bowel; the toxin it produces, however, impairs intestinal
absorption and acts on receptors in the gut, stimulating the
medullary center to produce vomiting.The onset of staphylococcal
food poisoning is abrupt, occurring within 2 to 8 hours after
consuming the contaminated food. Nausea and vomiting are severe.
Manifestations typically last 3 to 6 hours, and include abdominal
cramping, diarrhea, headache, and fever. Complications such as
fluid and electrolyte imbalances are rare, but may develop in older
adults and people with underlying chronic disease processes.
Cholera - is an acute diarrheal illness caused by strains of
Vibrio cholerae. It is endemic in parts of Asia, Middle East, and
Africa. Cholera is spread by the fecal-oral route through
contaminated water or food. The organism produces an enterotoxin,
enzymes, and other substances that affect the entire small
intestine. Water and electrolytes are secreted into the bowel lumen
in response to the toxin. The enzymes and other substances produced
by the bacteria may affect mucous protection of bowel
endothelium.
Clostridium Difficile Colitis - is associated with antibiotic
therapy. Treatment with antibiotics predisposes to interference
with the normal protective bacteria of the colon, leading to
colonization by C. difficile by the oral-fecal route. Subsequent
release of toxins by the bacteria causes mucous damage and
inflammation. This is primarily a problem in hospitalized patients,
causing diarrhea and abdominal cramping. These manifestations
commonly begin within 1 to 2 weeks of antibiotic treatment. It is
also being seen in the community in healthy adults. The bacteria
can be identified in the stool.
Salmonellosis - is food poisoning caused by ingesting raw or
improperly cooked foods contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
Meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products commonly are implicated in
Salmonellosis; recent outbreaks have been linked to products such
as peanuts and alfalfa sprouts. These bacteria cause superficial
infection of the GI tract, rarely invading further. They do not
produce toxin. Manifestations develop 8 to 48 hours after ingesting
the bacteria. Diarrhea may be violent with abdominal cramping,
nausea, and vomiting. A low-grade fever, chills, and weakness may
accompany GI manifestations.
Shigellosis (Bacillary Dysentery) - Occurs worldwide, and may be
endemic or occur in epidemics. Humans are the reservoir for
Shigella organisms, which are spread directly via fecal-oral route
or indirectly through contaminated food, fomites, and vectors (such
as fleas). The incubation period for shigellosis is 1 to 4
days.
Norovirus - is a highly contagious disease that often occurs in
outbreaks within an institution or facility. It is characterized by
acute vomiting, watery, non-bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and
nausea. Systemic manifestations such as myalgia, malaise, headache,
and low-grade fever are common.
MANIFESTATIONS
Gastrointestinal Effects:
Anorexia, nausea and vomitingAbdominal pain and
crampingBorborygmiDiarrhea
General Effects:
Malaise, weakness, and muscle achesHeadacheDry skin and mucous
membranesPoor skin turgorOrthostatic hypotension,
tachycardiaFever
Although the manifestations of bacterial and viral enteritis
vary according to the organism involved, several features are
common. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are caused by distention of
the upper GI tract by unabsorbed chime and excess water. Bowel
distention, along with irritation of the bowel mucosa and gas
production due to fermentation of undigested food, lead to
abdominal pain and cramping. Borborygmi, excessively loud and
hyperactive bowel sounds, are another result. The abdomen is often
distended and tender. Diarrhea is usually predominant with
enteritis. Fluid is secreted into the bowel lumen, and the
unabsorbed chyme and electrolytes create an osmotic pull of fluid
into the bowel. Motility is stimulated, and stools become watery
and frequent. Loss of fluids and electrolytes through diarrhea can
lead to most serious manifestations of enteritis. Fluid volume can
be rapidly depleted, leading to dehydration and hypovolemia.
Orthostatic hypotension and fever may be noted initially. If fluid
loss continues, hypovolemic shock may develop. (LeMone, 2010)
COMPLICATIONSElectrolyte and acid-base imbalances may result
from gastroenteritis. Extensive vomiting can lead to metabolic
alkalosis due to the loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach.
When diarrhea predominates, metabolic acidosis is more likely.
Potassium is lost in either case, leading to hypokalemia.
Hyponatremia may develop if fluids are replaced with pure water.
Headache, cardiac irregularities, changes in respiratory rate and
pattern, malaise and weakness, muscle aching, and signs of
neuromuscular irritability are the possible manifestations of these
disturbances in homeostasis. (LeMone, 2010)
RISK FACTORS (http://www.patient.co.uk)
Poor hygiene and lack of sanitationCompromised immune
systemPoorly cooked food, cooked food that has been left too long
at room temperature or from uncooked food. Insufficient reheating
of food not only fails to kill bacteria but may speed up
multiplication and increase the bacterial load ingested. Even if
reheating of cooked food kills bacteria, enterotoxins such as
staphylococcal exotoxin are not destroyed.
MANAGEMENTS (http://www.patient.co.uk)
Fluid managementContinue breast-feeding and other milk
feedsEncourage fluid intakeDiscourage the drinking of fruit juices
and carbonated drinks, especially in those at increased risk of
dehydrationOffer oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution as
supplemental fluid to those at increased risk of dehydration
Nutritional managementDuring rehydration therapy:
Continue breast-feedingDo not give solid foodsIn children with
mild cases, do not routinely give oral fluids other than ORS
solution; however, consider supplementation with the child's usual
fluids (including milk feeds or water but not fruit juices or
carbonated drinks) if they consistently refuse ORS solutionIn
children with severe cases, do not give oral fluids other than ORS
solution
DrugsAntibiotic therapy should not be used routinely but should
be given:
For suspected or confirmed septicemiaWith extra-intestinal
spread of bacterial infection.When younger than 6 months with
salmonella gastroenteritis.In those who are malnourished or
immunocompromised with salmonella gastroenteritis.Where there is C.
difficile-associated pseudomembranous enterocolitis, giardiasis,
bacillary dysentery, amoebiasis or cholera.
PREVENTION
Breast-feeding confers some protection against
gastroenteritis.Rotavirus vaccineWashing hands with soap (liquid if
possible) in warm running water and careful drying are the most
important factors in preventing the spread of gastroenteritis.Hands
should be washed after going to the toilet or changing nappies
(parents) and before preparing, serving or eating food.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Borborygmi- a rumbling or gurgling sound caused by the
movement of gas in the intestines.2. Norwalk Virus- A family of
small round viruses that are an important cause of viral
gastroenteritis (viral inflammation of the stomach and intestines).
Norwalk disease is a significant contributor to illness in the
US.
3. Chyme- The semifluid mass into which food is converted by
gastric secretion and which passes from the stomach into the small
intestine.4. Distention- Abdominal distension occurs when
substances, such as air (gas) or fluid, accumulate in the abdomen
causing its outward expansion beyond the normal girth of the
stomach and waist.5. Enteritis- Enteritis is the inflammation of
your small intestine. In some cases, the inflammation includes the
stomach and large intestine.
6. Enterotoxins- a toxin specific for the cells of the
intestinal mucosa.7. Fermentation- Fermentation is a form of
biological energy production and "fermented" is the end result of
the process I present below.8. Hydrochloric Acid- HCL is the
medical friendly, water and acid soluble, salt version of an amine.
Amines are converted to a salt form for their standardized and
predictable rates of solubility and absorption.
9. Hypokalemia- Hypokalemia is a condition of below normal
levels of potassium in the blood serum.10. Hyponatremia- is defined
as a low sodium concentration in the blood.11. Hypovolemia- is a
state of decreased blood volume; more specifically, decrease in
volume of blood plasma.12. Lumen- The inner open space or cavity of
a tubular organ, as of a blood vessel or an intestine.13. Metabolic
Alkalosis- Metabolic alkalosis is a pH imbalance in which the body
has accumulated too much of an alkaline substance, such as
bicarbonate, and does not have enough acid to effectively
neutralize the effects of the alkali.14. Mucosa- The mucous
membrane, or the thin layer which lines body cavities and
passages.15. Orthostatic- Is a form of low blood pressure that
happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.16. Osmotic-
Diffusion of fluid through a semipermeable membrane from a solution
with a low solute concentration to a solution with a higher solute
concentration until there is an equal solute concentration on both
sides of the membrane.
17. Rotavirus- Any of a group of wheel-shaped viruses, of the
genus Rotavirus, that causes gastroenteritis and diarrhea in
children and animals.18. Vibrio Cholerae- One of the Vibrio
bacteria, V. cholerae (as the name implies) is the agent of
cholera, a devastating and sometimes lethal disease with profuse
watery diarrhea.
VITAL INFORMATIONName: Ms. DiamondRoom Number: 242 Bed 5Age: 4
months oldGender: FemaleCivil Status: ChildDate of Birth: November
10, 2014Birthplace: Iligan CityCultural Group: IliganonPrimary
Language: BisayaReligion: Roman CatholicHighest Educational
Attainment: N/AOccupation: N/AUsual Health Care Provider: Dr. Uy
HospitalReason for Health Contact: Fever & LBMDate of
Confinement: March 7, 2015Source of History: Patients
motherAttending Physician/s: Dr. Yvette NadalAdmitting Impression:
Acute Infectious Diarrhea Moderate DehydrationFinal Diagnosis:
Acute Gastroenteritis with Severe Dehydration and Electrolyte
Imbalance Hyponatremia, HypocalcemiaDescription of Patient: Awake,
lying on bed, alert, with patent IVF of D5IMB via IV pump @20cc/hr,
no episodes of bowel movement, afebrile during initial visit.
HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESSAccording to the patients mother, five
days before admission, patient had experienced an onset of
intermittent fever. The patient was given Paracetamol drops 0.25 ml
every 4 hours for her fever which afforded temporary relief.
Nagpadayon man gihapon iyang hilanat so gi-admit namo siya sa Dr.
Uy Hospital adtong Monday last week (March 2, 2015) kay didto man
namo siya sige ipa check-up. Si Dr. Mariano iyang doctor didto. as
verbalized by the mother. The patient was given medications such as
Napran and Ener-E vitamins. Last March 4, 2015, patient was
discharged from Dr. Uy Hospital. Last Thursday (March 5, 2015), the
fever recurred. The next day, the fever was already associated with
LBM with watery stools, yellow green in color as stated by the
mother. The patient experienced diarrhea continuously for 1 days
and was already dehydrated as manifested by sunken eyes with pallor
skin, thus prompted admission at AMC-Iligan Hospital.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORYThe patient had received immunizations such
as BCG, Hepa B (3 doses), Pentavalent (3 doses), Rotavirus (2
doses), and OPV (3 doses). As stated by the mother, the child hasnt
experienced any illnesses before such as measles, mumps, rubella,
chicken pox, dengue fever, typhoid fever, etc. She had Tiki-tiki
and Ceelin as her vitamins before. No history of accidents or
injuries. Patient was admitted at Dr. Uy Hospital before, with her
attending physician, Dr. Mariano. She was then transferred to
AMC-Iligan Hospital due to recurrence of fever with LBM. No
previous operations or any surgeries. No allergies as claimed by
the patients mother.
NORMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGYGastrointestinal SystemThe GI
system is composed of one continuous tube that begins at the mouth,
progresses through the esophagus, stomach and small and large
intestines and ends at the anus. The pancreas, liver and
gallbladder are accessory glands that support the functions of the
GI system.
StructuresThe tube that comprises the GI tract is continuous
with the external environment, opening at the mouth and again at
the anus. Because of this GI tract contains many foreign agents and
bacteria that are not found in the rest of the body.
Accessory Organs
Pancreas Deposits digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate into
the beginning of small intestine to neutralize acid from the
stomach and to further facilitate digestionGallbladderWhen
gallbladder is stimulated to contract by the presence of fats, all
of the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine pass into the
liver Liver Produces bile (very important in the digestion of
fats), which stored in the gallbladder.
Four Layers of the Gastrointestinal TractMucosal LayerThe mucosa
is the innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract that is
surrounding thelumen, or open space within the tube. This layer
comes in direct contact with digested food (chyme). The mucosa is
made up of:
Epithelium - innermost layer. Responsible for most digestive,
absorptive and secretory processes.Lamina propria - a layer of
connective tissue. Unusually cellular compared to most connective
tissueMuscularis mucosae - a thin layer of smooth muscle that aids
the passing of material and enhances the interaction between the
epithelial layer and the contents of the lumen by agitation
andperistalsis.
Nerve Plexus LayerThe nerve plexus has two layers of nerves- one
submucosal layer and myenteric layer. This nerves allow GI tract
have control over movement, secretions and digestion. The nerve
respond to local stimuli and act on the concepts of GI tract
accordingly. Muscularis Mucosa LayerThe muscularis consists of an
inner circular layer and alongitudinalouter muscular layer. The
circular muscle layer prevents food from traveling backward and the
longitudinal layer shortens the tract.
Adventitia LayerThe adventitia is the outer layer of the GI
tract. It serves as a supportive layer and helps the tube maintain
its shape and position.
Gastrointestinal Four Major ActivitiesSecretions The GI tract
secretes various compounds to aid the movement of the food bolus
through the GI tube, to protect the inner layer of the GI from
injury and to facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Absorption Absorption is the active process of removing water,
nutrients and other elements from the GI tract and delivering them
to the bloodstream for use by the body.
Digestion Digestion is the process of breaking food into usable
and absorbable nutrients.
Motility Motility is the movement of food and secretions through
the system. The basic movement seen in the esophagus is
peristalsis, a constant wave of contraction that moves from the top
to the bottom of the esophagus. The act of swallowing, a response
to a food bolus in the back of the throat, stimulates the
peristaltic movement that directs the food bolus into the
stomach.
MEDICAL & SURGICAL MANAGMENTSAcute enteritis usually solves
spontaneously, and no drug treatment required. If the patient is
severe ill and manifestations are prolonged, medication maybe
prescribed. Antibiotic therapy specific the organisms maybe use to
treat bacterial colitis, cholera, salmonellosis, or shigellosis.
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin,
amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) or another antibiotic may
prescribed. Stool culture is obtained prior to starting
antibiotics.
Nutrition and FluidsReplacing the loss of fluid and electrolytes
is vital when vomiting and/or diarrhea are severe or prolonged. In
many cases of enteritis, fluid and electrolyte replacement are all
that is required until infection resolves. Oral rehydration is
preferred for replacing physiologic fluids. An oral
glucose-electrolyte solution is often well tolerated in sips, even
when vomiting is present. Intravenous rehydration may be necessary
with severe diarrhea and fluid loss.
Gastric LavageGastric Lavage and catharsis- in effect, washing
outthe stomach and intestines- may be performed to remove
unabsorbed toxin from GI tract if botulism is suspected. The
patient with botulism is closely observed for signs of respiratory
distress. Respiratory support with endotracheal intubation or
tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation may be
required.PlasmapheresisPlasmapheresis (plasma exchange therapy) may
be performed to remove circulating toxins for hemorrhagic colitis
caused by E-coli. Potential complications include those associated
with intravenous catheters, shifts in fluid balance, and altered
blood clotting.
DialysisAcute tubular necrosis and renal failure associated with
hemorrhagic colitis may necessitate dialysis to remove wastes and
prevent severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances and metabolic
acidosis. Although acute renal failure often resolves spontaneously
and renal function resumes, dialysis can be lifesaving. Either
hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be used, generally as a
temporary measure.
DISCHARGE PLAN & TEACHING
Special Instructions: Hand washingIncrease fluid intakeHealth
teachings:Instruct the mother to clean the bottles or any
containers used in feeding the baby.Encourage the parents to do
hand washing before and after giving the milk to the baby.Instruct
them to comply religiously the medication with their baby to the
period of time as prescribed.Demonstrate to the parents the
different ways of burping for the baby. OPD Visits/ Referrals:
Follow up check up on March 17, 2015 at DR. Nadals ClinicDiet: Milk
Formula for ageSpiritual care: Be grateful for all the things that
God has been given to us. For He never forget to bless and shower
His graces. Humbly we bow ourselves unto Him and give respect for
He is the King of kings and Lord of all lords. All things are made
because of His will, thank God for His protection and guidance in
our everyday journey in life.
PROGNOSISThe prognosis for complete recovery is excellent in
most people infected with viral and bacterial caused by
gastroenteritis, as long as the person keeps well hydrated. Their
prognosis depends on how dehydrated they become and how effective
are the attempts to rehydrate the patient. Prevention of the
recurrence of the disease is also important.
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