Question

A 36-year-old client was admitted with gastroenteritis. She has been vomiting and having severe diarrhea for 2 days. She is very weak. The current laboratory results are Na+ 128 mEq/L, K+ 3.0 mEq/L, Cl− 90 mEq/L. The physician orders IV of 0.9% normal saline solution at 100 mL/hr, NPO, and I & O.

1. Are the lab results normal or abnormal? If so, which ones?
2. What treatment and/or medication(s), if any, would be ordered?
3. What complication(s) if any is likely to develop if the symptoms persist? (Discuss one)
4. What education would you provide to the client to prevent this issue in the future?

Answer 1

ANSWER- 1) The lab results are abnormal . In this lab results sodium (Na+) is low or decrease( normal level of sodium is 135 - 145 mEq/L), Potassium (k+) level is slightly low (normal level of potassium is 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L) , Chloride (Cl-) level is also low (normal level of chloride is 96 - 106 mEq/L). All the electrolyte level is decrease.

ANSWER- 2) TREATMENT OR MEDICATIONS

• The first priority management is Rehydration . Administration of intravenous therapy , I/V fluids like normal saline, ringer lactate
• ANTI EMETICS -  helps to treat in vomiting . example -Ondasteron
• ANTIBIOTICS- helps to treat the infection example Injection ceftriaxone
• ANTIMOTILITY AGENTS - to treat diarrhoea

ANSWER - If the symptoms persists the common complication is Dehydration

Dehydration - dehydration is the deficit of total body water with the disruption of some metabolic process.

The sign and symptoms of dehydration are ;

• thirst
• headache
• confusion
• tiredness
• cynosis
• polyuria

Causes of dehydration are ;-

• excessive sweating
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• osmotic diuresis

Management of dehydration ;-

• Rehydration by I/V therapy administration of fluids like NS , RL
• Oral rehydration solution

ANSWER- PATIENT EDUCATION;

• Advice the patient to take more fluids
• Avice the patient to avoid spicy , oily or indigestable foods
• Advice the client take medication properly as prescribed by the doctor
• Advice the client for routinly health check up