Overview of Peritonitis
Peritonitis is a common disease triggered by chemical stimulation, bacterial infection and injury of the patient’s abdominal organs, clinically manifested as abdominal pain, abdominal muscle tension, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms, if the patient does not get timely and effective treatment, toxic shock will occur, and it is easy to cause a variety of complications, which will aggravate the condition.
Main nursing problems
1 Pain.
2 Defects in self-care ability of life.
3. Abdominal distension.
4. Fever.
5. potential complications such as electrolyte disorders, sepsis, multi-organ defects.
Nursing measures
1. Psychological care
Nursing staff should talk with patients more, patiently introduce the relevant knowledge of peritonitis as well as the treatment method and process to patients, eliminate the patients’ nervousness and anxiety, make the patients set up the confidence to overcome the disease and actively cooperate with the treatment.
2.Gastrointestinal decompression care
Fasting and gastrointestinal decompression are prescribed before surgery. During the period of fasting, replenish fluids to maintain water and electrolyte disorders. Pay attention to keep the gastrointestinal decompression tube open, and closely observe the character, color and amount of drainage fluid, make a record.
3.Observation and close monitoring
Monitor the patient’s vital signs closely, record the changes of respiration, pulse, body temperature, and observe the changes of abdomen.
4. Pain care
Closely observe the nature and characteristics of abdominal pain and correctly assess the progress of the disease. Nursing staff should communicate more with patients to distract their attention, or use hot compresses, massage, acupuncture to relieve pain. If necessary, follow the doctor’s instructions to give patients antispasmodic, analgesic drugs.
5. Fever care
For patients with fever, bed rest should be used to reduce oxygen consumption. Body temperature of 39 ℃ or more, can be used in the head with ice packs, alcohol baths and other physical cooling methods, but also feasible acupuncture points to lower the temperature, if necessary, follow the doctor’s orders to give medication to lower the temperature.
6. Dietary care
After the gastric tube is removed, the patient should be given a liquid diet, gradually transition to normal diet, and eat high protein, high calorie and vitamin-rich food.
7. Medication care
For patients with peritonitis who have already decided on the treatment plan and after surgery, anti-infection and other medications can be given according to the doctor’s instructions, and the efficacy and adverse reactions of the drugs can be observed.
8.Complications care
Closely observe the patient’s condition changes, if diffuse intravascular coagulation, multi-organ failure, severe dehydration and electrolyte disorders, should immediately report to the doctor, and cooperate with the rescue.
Health Advocacy
1. Instruct patients to strengthen physical exercise to enhance body resistance.
2. Maintain a good state of mind, live a regular life, and combine work and rest.
3. Reasonable nutrition to ensure the needs of the body.
4. Follow the doctor’s instructions for regular checkups, and consult the doctor immediately if fever occurs.