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

1.The lab results are not within normal limits. They are

• A decrease in sodium (hyponatremia) normal range 135_145mEq/L
• Decreased potassium levels (hypokalemia) normal range 3.5.5.5mEq/L
• Decreased chloride level (hypochloremia)normal range 96_106mEq/L

2.The sodium,chloride and potassium has to be corrected with IVF and addition of injection KCL in the drip (NS+inj.KCL)

Antidiarrrhoeal drugs to stop loose stools

Antiemetics to control and prevent vomiting

Antimicrobial or antibiotics to prevent infection

Antacids to balance the pH of the stomach

3.If the symptoms persists the person will develop metabolic alkalosis ,CNS changes due to hyponatremia, CVS changes due to hypokalemia, and a decrease in phosphate and magnesium levels due to hypochloremia in relation to one another.For instance if hyponatremia persists the patient will have altered levels of confusion ,accumulation of fluid on the brain and cause coma pr death.

4.Some of the health education which can be provided to the patient in preventing the issues in future are

• Avoid unhygienic, open place street foods ,raw vegetables uncleaned ,sprouts without washing ,etc because this can be a source of infection
• Educate to have salt and sugar water in case of diarrhea and if it exceeds more than two bowel movements per day in loose consistency then it needs medical help.
• Handwashing before and after meals
• Sharing of eatzbles and its utensils from infected persons to be avoided.