Project Materials

NURSING MANAGEMENT OF A PATIENT (3YEARS) WITH DIARRHOEA AT THE BUEA ROAD INTEGRATED HEALTH CENTRE

Abstract

The second most common cause of mortality in children less than five is diarrhoea, which is defined as passing three or more loose or liquid stools in a 24-hour period. Keep in mind that infants who are still nursing do not have diarrhoea or the passing of loose or “pasty” faeces very often. Most cases of diarrhoea occur as a result of an infection in the intestines. Many different types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites may cause diarrhoea. Symptoms of diarrhoea include a change in bowel habits (loose and watery stool), fever, cramping in the abdomen, nausea, bloating, lightheadedness, and dizziness. The disease may be transmitted from person to person or by contaminated food and water. Age, medicine, environment, compromised immune system, lack of vaccination, and intimate contact with sick individuals are some of the risk factors. Dehydration and electrolyte loss might worsen without treatment for diarrhoea. Avoiding open defecation, keeping toilets clean, and practicing good sanitation are all ways to reduce the likelihood of diarrhoea. Aside from eating well and getting a vaccine, which strengthens our immune systems and wards off diarrhoea, washing our hands often is also crucial in avoiding this illness. Proper breastfeeding also aids in preventing diarrhoea and boosts the immune system, according to studies. The fact that this illness disproportionately affects underdeveloped nations is sad, but putting the aforementioned strategies into action can significantly cut down on cases of diarrhoea, particularly in children.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Worldwide, around 525,000 children under the age of five lose their lives each year to diarrhoeal illness. Even without the water and electrolytes the body needs to survive, diarrhoea may linger for days. Death from diarrhoea used to be mostly caused by severe dehydration and fluid loss. WHO (2017).

A person is said to be experiencing diarrhoea if they pass three or more liquid stools per day, or more fluids than what is considered usual for them. Frequent passing of solid waste is not the same as diarrhoea. Of the 10.6 million deaths that occur in children less than 5 years old globally, around 42% take place in African areas (Bryce.et.al 2005).

Worldwide, the infant mortality rate in Africa is seven times greater than in Europe in 2005, according to the World Health Organisation. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is one possible cause of this (walker et al. 2007).

Regardless, despite advancements in healthcare technology, better management, and the increased use of oral rehydration therapy (O.R.T.) in recent decades, diarrhoea disease is still one of the leading causes of death among children younger than five years old.As stated by Kosek et al. (2006).

The most common causes of acute diarrhoea are gastrointestinal parasites (Giardia), viruses (such as norovirus or rotavirus), or bacteria (such as Salmonella). Gastrointeritis is the medical term for diarrhoea brought on by any of these illnesses. Gluten sensitivity (such as coeliac disease) and lactose intolerance (the inability to properly digest lactose in dairy products) are the most prevalent causes of acute diarrhoea. In 2018, the Mayo Clinic

It is easy to identify diarrhoea based on its symptoms. Diarrhoea that persists for more than two or three days together with other symptoms like fever or blood in the stool may prompt a doctor to order diagnostic tests to rule out infection or other diseases.Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy, which include examining the intestines using a thin, flexible tube that has a camera and light attached to it, can detect symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.Rapid dehydration, defined as the excessive loss of fluid from the body, may occur in cases of chronic or severe diarrhoea. Particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of dehydration are young children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems (such as those living with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy), and those with weakened systems overall. Children under the age of five in underdeveloped nations had an average of three episodes per year, with some regions reporting as many as six or eight episodes per kid.in such a context, and since diarrhoea is already associated with malnutrition, having it again and again stunts development and greatly increases the likelihood of death (Talbert et al., 2012).Because oral rehydration solutions are so common, the number of deaths in children caused by diarrhoea has been steadily decreasing over the last 20 years. Nevertheless, there is reason to be hopeful for the near future: the general frequency of diarrhoea episodes has plateaued over the last few years, thanks to the rotavirus vaccination, which has been in use for three years (WHO 2010).

1.2 Statement of the problem

Infectious diarrhoea often affects both sexes equally. Carmpylodrome (HUS) is more common in females. The majority of cases of viral diarrhoea occur in children under the age of two, with rotavirus and adenovirus being the most frequent in this age group.Children under the age of five are more likely to get the astrovirus and norovirus.Children less than one year old are most often infected with Yersina entercolitis, and the Aeromonas organisms are a major source of diarrhoea in this age group. Subsequent dehydration and malabsorption of nutrients may occur in infants and toddlers. The intensity and length of the diarrhoea seem to be mainly affected by the host’s age and nutritional state. Young children are more likely to experience dangerous levels of dehydration due to their rapid bodily water turnover and impaired renal compensatory ability. The question of whether younger or older people bear the danger of a prolonged course remains unresolved. There is a robust age-related negative connection between chronic postenteritis diarrhoea and poor country status (lubbert et al 2012).

1.3 Objectives of the study

In order to provide comprehensive nursing care to a patient at the Buea road integrated centre who is experiencing diarrhoea

1. To evaluate and treat people suffering from acute diarrhoea.

2. To administer this treatment and assess its efficacy.

1.4 Significance of the study

This research effort will raise awareness about the best way to treat diarrhoea in children. The Ministry of Public Health will be able to refocus their policies with the support of this effort, making childhood diarrhoea control a higher priority.

Treatment, prevention, and suggestions for better care for diarrhoea will be based on the findings of this research.So that others might gain insight and maybe use some of my tactics for dealing with diarrhoea, I will relate my story.

1.5 Definition of terms

ELECTROLYTES: This are electrical substances in the blood that helps to regulate the proper balance of body fluids.

DIARRHEA: This is the frequent passage of 3 or more loose of liquid stools per day (W.H.O 2017).

STOOLS: This are solid matters discharged in bowel movements. Stools are made up of undigested food, bacterial, mucus, and cells from the lining of the intestines.

MORBIDITY: This is how often a disease occurs in a specific area or is a term use to describe a focus on death.

DEHYDRATION: This is the excessive loss of body fluids more than what someone can take in.

BOWEL: This is a long tube that carries solid wastes from the stomach out of the body.

EPISODE: This is a related event or group of related events.

NUTRITION: This is the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary need (W.H.O 2013).

INFECTION: The invasion and multiplication of microorganism such as bacterial, viruses, and parasites that is not normally present in the body. Royal college of nursing (RCN 2006)

BACTERIALS; A single cell organism that can exist independently (free living) organism or as parasites (dependent on another organism for life).

VIRUS; A microorganism that is smaller than a bacterial but cannot grow or replicate out of living cells.

VACCINATION: Injection of an attenuated microbe in order to stimulate the immune system against the microbe thereby preventing disease vaccination or immunization work by stimulating the immune system.

COMPLICATION: An unanticipated problem that arises following the result of a procedure, treatment and illness.