@medical_surgical_nursing @pediatric_health_nursing

4. Definition
• A condition characterised by irritation and
inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
This causes diarhea, vomiting and nausea.

5. Causes
• Infectious agents. The infectious organisms may be
salmonella, Escherichia coli, dysentery bacilli, and
various viruses, most notably rotaviruses.
• Contaminated food. Many diarrheal disturbances in
children are caused by contaminated food or human or
animal fecal waste through the oral-fecal route.
• Unsanitary water and environment. This condition is
prevalent in areas lacking adequate clean water and
sanitary facilities.
• Antibiotic therapy. Diarrhea may also be caused by
antibiotic therapy.

12. Nursing Diagnosis
• Risk for infection related to inadequate secondary
defenses or insufficient knowledge to avoid exposure
to pathogens.
• Impaired skin integrity related to constant presence of
diarrheal stools.
• Deficient fluid volume related to diarrheal stools.
• Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
related to malabsorption of nutrients.
• Hyperthermia related to dehydration.
• Risk for delayed development related to decreased
sucking when infant is NPO.

13. Nursing Care Planning and Goals
• Main Article: 4 Gastroenteritis Nursing Care Plans
• The major goals for a child with acute gastroenteritis
are:
• Control of diarrhea.
• Minimize the risk for infection.
• Maintain good skin condition.
• Improve hydration and nutritional intake.
• Satisfy sucking needs in the infant.
• Eliminate the risk of infection transmission.