Case study Acute Gastroenteritis

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I.  INTRODUCTION 
 
 
 
Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) 
 
Gastroenteritis is a catchall term for infection or irritation of the digestive tract, particularly the 
stomach and intestine. It is frequently referred to as the stomach or intestinal flu, although the 
influenza virus is not associated with this illness. Major symptoms include nausea and 
vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms are sometimes also accompanied 
by fever and overall weakness. Gastroenteritis typically lasts about three days. Adults usually 
recover without problem, but children, the elderly, and anyone with an underlying disease are 
more vulnerable to complications such as dehydration. 
 
Gastroenteritis arises from ingestion of viruses, certain bacteria, or parasites. Food that has 
spoiled may also cause illness. Certain medications and excessive alcohol can irritate the 
digestive tract to the point of inducing gastroenteritis. Regardless of the cause, the symptoms 
of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain and cramps. 
Sufferers may also experience bloating, low fever, and overall tiredness. Typically, the 
symptoms last only two to three days, but some viruses may last up to a week. 
A usual bout of gastroenteritis shouldn't require a visit to the doctor. However, medical 
treatment is essential if symptoms worsen or if there are complications. Infants, young 
children, the elderly, and persons with underlying disease require special attention in this 
regard. 
The greatest danger presented by gastroenteritis is dehydration. The loss of fluids through 
diarrhea and vomiting can upset the body's electrolyte balance, leading to potentially life-
threatening problems such as heart beat abnormalities (arrhythmia). The risk of dehydration 
increases as symptoms are prolonged. Dehydration should be suspected if a dry mouth, 
increased or excessive thirst, or scanty urination is experienced. 
If symptoms do not resolve within a week, an infection or disorder more serious than 
gastroenteritis may be involved. Symptoms of great concern include a high fever (102 ° F 
[38.9 °C] or above), blood or mucus in the diarrhea, blood in the vomit, and severe abdominal 
pain or swelling. These symptoms require prompt medical attention. 
 
Gastroenteritis is a self-limiting illness which will resolve by itself. However, for comfort and 
convenience, a person may use over-the-counter medications such as Pepto Bismol to relieve 
the symptoms. These medications work by altering the ability of the intestine to move or 
secrete spontaneously, absorbing toxins and water, or altering intestinal microflora. Some 
over-the-counter medicines use more than one element to treat symptoms. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

II. Patient’s Profile

S.Q. is a female, 11/12 months old, residing at P2 Blk1 L38 Pabahay Nanadero,

Calamba City, Laguna. Her mother is J.Q., works part time in a shop and her father

is R.Q., factory worker. She has one sibling older than her, K.Q., 3 years old. S.Q.

was born on March 6, 2009, and born at Calamba, Laguna, Filipino in nationality.

Their whole family is Born Again in religion. She weighs 8.7 kg. She’s admitted on

January 30, 2010 at room 103-C, pedia ward with chief complaint of high fever for

2 days with emesis and has a diagnosis of Acute Gastroenteritis. And she was

discharged on January 6, 2010, Saturday at 1:30 pm. Their attending physicians

were Campos, Angelie, M.D. and Bonagua, Aireen, M.D.

III. Health History & Chief Complain

Chief Complaint

She was admitted for having high fever for 2 days with vomiting.

Present Illness

S.Q. was only admitted to the hospital due to gastrointestinal problem now and was also

suspected of urinary tract infection by Dra. Campos. Aside from the diagnosis, no other

disease or complication was seen or diagnosed.

Past Health History

Mrs. Q says “ eto first time nya ma-admit after nya ipanganak.” S.Q. gets seasonal

cough and colds at times but never serious because it usually last only for a few days. They

always consult their doctor once sick. She is complete in her vaccinations except those which

would be taken on her 1 year of age.

Family Health History

No one in the family had any respiratory illness or allergies. On her father’s side,

almost all have hypertension. One member of their family died on a heart attack.

IV. Gordon’s Pattern

Health Perception

As Mrs Q. stated, “lagi naman kami nagpapacheck up ni stephani. Napunta

talaga kami kay Dra. Campos. Malikot lang talaga yan pero inaalagaan yan sa bahay.”

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I. INTRODUCTION Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Gastroenteritis is a catchall term for infection or irritation of the digestive tract, particularly the stomach and intestine. It is frequently referred to as the stomach or intestinal flu, although the influenza virus is not associated with this illness. Major symptoms include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms are sometimes also accompanied by fever and overall weakness. Gastroenteritis typically lasts about three days. Adults usually recover without problem, but children, the elderly, and anyone with an underlying disease are more vulnerable to complications such as dehydration. Gastroenteritis arises from ingestion of viruses, certain bacteria, or parasites. Food that has spoiled may also cause illness. Certain medications and excessive alcohol can irritate the digestive tract to the point of inducing gastroenteritis. Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain and cramps. Sufferers may also experience bloating, low fever, and overall tiredness. Typically, the symptoms last only two to three days, but some viruses may last up to a week. A usual bout of gastroenteritis shouldn't require a visit to the doctor. However, medical treatment is essential if symptoms worsen or if there are complications. Infants, young children, the elderly, and persons with underlying disease require special attention in this regard. The grea ...
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