Norwalk virus, gi infection | Nursing homework help
The community nurse at the seaport authority believes this is an outbreak of “Norwalk virus” based on the symptoms presented by the passengers. Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, and watery diarrhea are typical symptoms of Norwalk virus infection. The virus is highly contagious and spreads easily in environments where people are in close contact, such as cruise ships.
b. The nurse should be cognizant of several areas of concern related to this outbreak:
- Infection control: The nurse should ensure that the ship’s crew is following proper infection control procedures to prevent the spread of the virus. This may include isolating infected passengers, disinfecting common areas, and promoting frequent hand washing.
- Dehydration: The nurse should monitor passengers for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dark urine, and lethargy. Elderly passengers are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and may require IV fluids or other interventions.
- Complications: While Norwalk virus is typically a self-limiting illness, elderly passengers may be at risk for complications such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections. The nurse should monitor passengers for signs of these complications and ensure they receive appropriate medical care if necessary.
- Communication: The nurse should communicate regularly with the ship’s crew and local healthcare facilities to coordinate care for passengers. The nurse should also communicate with local health authorities to report the outbreak and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent further spread of the virus.