N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide

©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 40 of 204 1.4 Mode of Transmission: Gastrointestinal Tract (Fecal-Oral Route) Infectious Diarrhea Infectious diarrhea is often referred to as the “stomach flu” but it is not an influenza virus at all. They are actually bacteria, parasites, or viruses known as gastroenteritis and they cause an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The following are the causes of gastrointestinal tract infections: • Viral: Echovirus, coxsackievirus, and adenovirus • Bacteria : Salmonella, clostridium botulinum, escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus, and shigella • Parasitic : Trichinella spiralis, ascaris, andenterobius • Amoebae: Entamoeba histolytica When the organism enters the gastrointestinal tract, it causes inflammation and hypermotility. This causes diarrhea and vomiting sometimes severe enough to cause dehydration. Because of dehydration, this makes these infections life threatening to young children, immunocompromised patients, and elderly patients. It is the fifth leading cause of death among small children in the United States and needs to be treated promptly with fluid replacement. Signs and symptoms of infectious diarrhea: • Fever • Malaise • High white blood cell count • Fatigue • Abdominal cramping • Anorexia • Nausea • Vomiting • Abdominal distention • Bloody stools and tenesmus (anal sphincter spasms) Nursing assessments for infectious diarrhea: • Head to toe general assessment o Check temperature o Check bowel sounds o Signs of dehydration (sunken fontanels in infants, poor skin turgor, and drytongue) o Blood pressure (hypotensive) o Check abdomen for distention • Inquire about recent exposure, travel, foods; ask if other family members are sick • Review laboratory and radiology reports o Blood chemistries with electrolytes (K, Cl, Na, BUN, Creatinine) o CBC with differential o Stool culture

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