Management of acute diarrhea in children and nursing care interventions: Review article
Keywords:
Acute diarrhea, children, dehydration, rotavirus, nursing interventions, gastroenteritis, hydration management, infection preventionAbstract
Background: Acute diarrhea in children is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Despite its relatively low mortality in high-income countries (HIC), it remains a significant cause of hospital visits and healthcare burdens. The disease, often caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic pathogens, presents differently in LMIC and HIC. Effective management, particularly in children under five, is critical to preventing dehydration and other severe complications. Aim: This review aims to provide an updated synthesis on the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical management, and nursing interventions for acute diarrhea in children. It seeks to compare practices in both LMIC and HIC settings, focusing on dehydration assessment, fluid therapy, and the role of vaccination in prevention. Methods: The review synthesizes recent evidence from clinical studies, guidelines, and expert recommendations on the management of acute diarrhea in children. It includes an analysis of common pathogens, diagnostic methods, dehydration scales, and treatment protocols for both viral and bacterial diarrhea. The focus is on effective interventions, particularly nursing care in the context of hydration management and monitoring. Results: The review highlights that viral infections, especially rotavirus and norovirus, are the predominant causes of diarrhea in children.
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