K.N.O.W. Home Health - GASTROENTERITIS

GASTROENTERITIS

What is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an infection that causes the stomach and intestines to become swollen and irritated. It is sometimes called the “stomach flu,” but it is not the same as the flu that causes fever and cough.

What Causes It?

Viruses (most common – like norovirus or rotavirus)
Bacteria (from spoiled or dirty food and water)
Parasites (from dirty water or poor hygiene)
It can also spread from person to person, especially in close contact areas like homes or nursing facilities.

What Are the Symptoms?

Diarrhea (loose or watery poop)
Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Sometimes fever, chills, or headache
Feeling very tired or weak

How Is It Treated?

Rest – Let your body heal.
Fluids – Drink plenty of water, broth, or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.
Medicines – Sometimes the doctor may give medicine for nausea or diarrhea.
Good hygiene – Wash hands well and often to stop the spread to others.

What Should You Eat?

Start with bland, easy foods like:

Toast
Rice
Applesauce
Bananas
Plain crackers
Avoid greasy, spicy, or dairy foods until you feel better.

Special Considerations

Stay hydrated! Dehydration is the biggest risk.
Watch for signs like dry mouth, very dark urine, or not peeing.
Older adults and people with weak immune systems can get sicker faster.

When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor:

You have a fever that won’t go away.
You can’t keep fluids down.
You have diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than 2 days.
You feel dizzy or weak.

When to Go to the Emergency Room:

You see blood in your vomit or poop.
You’re vomiting non-stop and can't drink anything.
You feel confused, faint, or have a fast heartbeat.
Signs of severe dehydration (no pee for 8+ hours, sunken eyes, dry mouth).

✅PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

True or False: Gastroenteritis is the same as the flu that causes cough and fever.
True or False: Gastroenteritis mostly affects the stomach and intestines.
True or False: A virus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis.
True or False: Bacteria and parasites can also cause gastroenteritis.
True or False: Gastroenteritis can spread from person to person.
True or False: Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps are common symptoms.
True or False: You should avoid drinking water if you have diarrhea.
True or False: Dehydration is a serious risk with gastroenteritis.
True or False: Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and dark pee.
True or False: Eating greasy and spicy foods can help you feel better faster.
True or False: The BRAT diet includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
True or False: Most people get better from gastroenteritis with rest and fluids.
True or False: Washing your hands can help prevent spreading the illness.
True or False: You should call your nurse if symptoms last more than 2 days.
True or False: It is okay to wait a week before seeking help for nonstop vomiting.
True or False: Seeing blood in vomit or stool means you should go to the ER.
True or False: It’s important to rest and let your body recover.
True or False: You don’t need to tell anyone if you have gastroenteritis.
True or False: Electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte or Gatorade can help.
True or False: If you feel faint or confused, you should seek emergency care.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Have you had diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or a fever that could mean an infection in your stomach or intestines?”

Activity Impact / Safety:
“Do these symptoms make it hard for you to do your daily activities safely, like walking around, cooking, or caring for yourself?”

Treatment Adherence:
“Are you following your doctor’s advice about resting, drinking fluids, and taking any medicines to help your symptoms?”

Preventive Measures:
“Are you washing your hands, avoiding contaminated food or water, and staying away from others when sick to prevent spreading the infection?”