Question

CASE STUDY

• J.F., a young woman, calls a triage hotline complaining of severe nausea for the past 6 hours.
• She denies any emesis but is unable to obtain any relief from her nausea.
• What other questions would you want to ask her?

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• J.F. calls back to report that she is now vomiting.
• She states she vomited twice in the past 30 minutes.
• What other information do you want to gather?

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• J.F. also reports feeling dizzy, light-headed, and weak.
• You recommend that she should go to the ED to be seen.
• She arrives there, and a viral infection of the GI tract is diagnosed.
• What treatment would you expect in the ED for J.F.?

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• J.F. is given a prochlorperazine suppository and IV hydration in the ED.
• She states relief of all symptoms and is discharged to home with a prescription for oral prochlorperazine for PRN use.
• What discharge instructions would you give her?
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Answer 1

Case Study:

What other questions would you want to ask her?

Ask about her hydration status, Last food is taken, the duration between the intake of food and nausea begins, any recent head injuries, any signs of abdominal disturbances, altered level of consciousness, breathing difficulty, palpitation, sweating, medication taken in the last 24 hours, medical history of any diabetes, hypertension, or heart problems.

What other questions would you want to ask her?

J.F is asked to describe the vomitus color, smell, and consistency. Any additional symptoms she felt during vomiting. Feeling of any stiffness in the neck and head. Did she ate or drank anything before vomiting.

What treatment would you expect in the ED for J.F.?

• Vital signs should be monitored.
• IV therapy should be initiated to maintain hydration status and to replace the lost electrolytes.
• Administer Antiemetics.
• Follow hygienic measures.
• Avoid solid foods.

What discharge instructions would you give her?

• Encourage to take plenty of fluids.
• Advised to take the easily digestible bland diet.
• Educate to avoid alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, high fatty diet.
• Avoid self-medication which increases the stomach upset.
• Follow hygienic measures.
• Avoid eating of raw food.