CHILD WITH ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS
You are a RN working in the Emergency Department at the Launceston General Hospital and caring for Jessica, a 3-year-old girl brought in at 2000 by her father. Jessica was collected early from childcare because she vomited twice. She has since vomited another 6-8 times at home. Jessica has been complaining of being thirsty and her father has been offering her juice and water, but she vomits every time she drinks. Jessica is toilet training but still wears pull up nappies – her last wet nappy was changed in childcare at 12pm. Jessica is otherwise well and is up to date with her immunisations. She was weighed two weeks ago and weighed 14kgs.
Vital signs: Temperature (axillary) 38.1 degrees C; heart rate 161 beats per minute; blood pressure 90/60 mmHg; respiratory rate 40 breaths per minute.
Current condition: 3-year-old girl with moderate dehydration caused by viral gastroenteritis
Instructions:
describe ONE aspect of the assessment undertaken (eg. assessment of circulation),
• outline the likely findings based on that circulation assessment, and
• describe the underlying pathophysiology related to those findings
1000 word limit
| Criterion | |
| Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of how to undertake an accurate assessment of an infant or child presenting with a respiratory or gastrointestinal condition
(40% marks) |
Presented a succinct, but detailed and accurate description of one aspect of the assessment (airway, breathing or circulation) that would be undertaken and the likely findings. Description of assessment and findings demonstrated comprehensive understanding of the child’s condition and developmental stage. |
| Demonstrates effective communication skills (20%) | Presented an excellent evidence-based discussion in academic style, with a succinct, logical structure. Free from spelling, grammatical and/or terminology errors. Accurately used the Harvard referencing style throughout. |
| Demonstrates detailed understanding of the underlying pathophysiology associated with a common pediatric respiratory or gastrointestinal condition (40%) | Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Pathophysiology clearly linked to child’s condition and developmental stage. |
