N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide

©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 45 of 204 Giardiasis This intestinal infection is caused by the organism giardia lamblia and causes diarrhea. The organism is found in contaminated water and is passed through the fecal-oral route. People who travel out of the country are the most common to experience this infection, but it is also seen in the United States. Giardia causes inflammation to the bowel tissues and prevents them from absorbing nutrients (malabsorption). The parasite can cause irritation, rob the body of nutrition, increase bacterial growth in the bowel, and block the intestinal mucosa. Giardiasis diarrhea is prolonged, where diarrhea caused by other organisms is usually short-lived. Signs and symptoms of giardiasis: • Diarrhea; may be foul-smelling and watery • Nausea • Anorexia • Abdominal pain • Belching • Flatulence • Abdominal distention • Belching • Weakness • Rash Nursing assessment for giardiasis: • Head to toe general assessment o Check for abdominal distention, flatulence, and belching o Listen to bowel sounds o Ask about number of episodes of diarrhea in 24 hour period o Assess skin for rash • Inquire about exposures including recent travel and drinkingwater • Review laboratory reports o Visual examination of stool and culture for ova andparasites o Check diarrhea for trophozoites (sporozoans nourished by thehost) o Check serum electrolytes if diarrhea is prolonged andfrequent Nursing diagnosis for giardiasis: • Risk for altered nutritional status related to diarrhea and malabsorption • Risk for fluid volume deficit related to diarrhea and fluid loss • Activity intolerance related to weakness, secondary to poor nutritional absorption • Knowledge deficit related to drinking water, travel, disease, treatment, and transmission Nursing interventions for giardiasis:

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