Gastroenteritis

What is Gastroenteritis?
It is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines
that occurs after eating certain foods producing
discomfort, nausea, vomiting. It can be caused by
food allergens, certain drugs, or bacterial or viral
infections or chemical toxins. (Rizzo, 2016)
Diagnostic Procedure:
Fecalysis

s/sx:
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal Pain and cramping
Fever- invasive virus
• VOMITING

Most Children with vomiting are suffering from a mild

gastroenteritis (infection) due to viral or bacterial
organism, but other causes of vomiting should be
considered such as obstruction, increased intracranial
pressure and metabolic disease.
 Differentiation between
regurgitation and vomiting
Characteristics Regurgitation
Timing Occurs with feeding
Forcefulness Runs out of mouth with
little force
Description Smells barely sour, only
slightly curdled
Distress Nonpainful, no appearance
of distress, may even smile
as if sensation is enjoyable
Duration Occurs once per feeding
Amount 1—2 tsps
Vomiting
Timing unrelated to
feeding
Forceful
Extremely sour and curdled
Possible crying just before
vomiting as if abdominal
pain is present after
vomiting as if the force of
action is frightening
Continues until stomach is
empty
Full stomach contents
• DIARRHEA
It is usually associated with infection, chronic diarrhea
is more likely related to a malabsortive or inflammatory
cause.

Diarrhea in infants is always serious because infants

have such a small ECF reserve that sudden losses of
water quickly exhaust the supply. Breastfeeding may
actively prevent diarrhea by providing antibodies and
possibly an intestinal environment less friendly to
invading organism.
Viral : Adeno virus and Rota Virus
It can spread from person to person, or through
contaminated food or water. You can also get it if you touch a
contaminated surface.

Bacterial pathogens: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella and

Campylobacter

Protozoan: Gardia Lambia

(Rimon and Freedman, 2010)

 Differentiation between normal stool and
diarrheal stool in an infant
Characteristics Infant Normal Stool Diarrheal Stool
Frequency One to three daily Unlimited number
Color Yellow Green
Effort in expulsion Some pushing effort Effortless
pH More than 7.0 (alkaline) Less than 7.0
Odor Odorless Sweet or foul
Occult blood Negative positive
Reducing substances Negative positive
 Nursing Management
• Give small amounts of fluid frequently as soon as tolerated
to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

• Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) such as Pedialyte should

be used for infants and younger children as well as older
children with dehydration.

• Monitor Intake and Output

 Nursing Management

• Admission to hospital and intravenous fluid

replacement, in severe cases
• Antibiotics, Omeprazole
• Reduce infection transmission. (handwashing)
• Promote skin integrity. (change diapers)
• Maintain body temperature.
 Gastrointestinal amebiasis
It is an infection caused by a parasite called
Entamoeba histolytica. The parasite usually
enters the body through food, the infection is
also called food poisoning. The infection is more
common in unclean or crowded areas
 WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
• Diarrhea or bowel movements streaked with
blood or mucus
• Cramps or tenderness in your belly
• Fever
• Vomiting or nausea
 Management
• Avoid liquids that are acidic, like orange juice, or caffeinated, like
coffee. If you have diarrhea, don’t drink milk.
• Oral rehydration solution, which is a drink that replaces fluids
and minerals. (Replacement)
• BRATTY diet
• Don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) 
• Proper Hand Hygiene