PATIENT/FAMILY CARE STUDY

(A NURSING PROCESS APPROACH)

A PATIENT WITH GASTROENTERITIS

WRITTEN BY

KONADU JOSEPH

(INDEX)

A FINAL YEAR REGISTERED GENERAL NURSING STUDENT OF

SAVIOUR CHURCH NURSING AND MIDWIFERY TRAINING COLLEGE,
OSIEM – E/R

JULY, 2025
 PREFACE

The word nursing derives its meaning from the Latin word “nutricus” which means nourishing.

Nursing dates back to the beginning of motherhood when nurses were traditionally female.

Christians cared for the sick, fed the hungry and buried the dead. Therefore, it was said that the

history of nursing is tied to the church. When it became apparent that love and nurturing alone

were not enough to cure disease, the need for a more educated frame work for nurses began to

form. As a result of this, Florence nightingale in 1860, fulfilled her dream concerning nursing by

establishing the Nightingale Training School for Nurses. It was the first formal, fully organized

training program for nurses.

Base on the trend of modern evidenced based nursing, it is important for nursing students to

undertake a patient or family care study.

The Patient/Family Care Study is a detailed written report of nursing care rendered to an

individual and his or her family within a specific period of time. It explores nursing care

rendered from the time of admission to termination of nurse-patient/family relationship. It gives

an in-depth description and explanation of how a patient’s response to a specified disease

condition is diagnosed and given intervention.

The Patient/Family Care Study involves a record of nursing care, documenting the problems of

the patient and how they are dealt with by the nurse and other healthcare members. It provides a

systematic way of collecting data, analyzing information and reporting the results of nursing

care. It is based on the concept of holistic care, taking into account all factors impinging on the

health of the individual. It is done using the nursing process approach.

Nursing process is the deliberate problem-solving tool that nurses employ to resolve actual and

prevent potential patient/family health problems. Its common components are assessment,

diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

This study is a learning experience for the student nurse to prove his/her ability to use the

theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired during his/her period of training to plan and

care for a particular patient and family.

This study also helps the student nurse to know more about the disease condition of the selected

patient and to sharpen his/her interactive and problem-solving skills.

Again, the care study is carried out in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of

professional license by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana to practice as a Registered

General Nurse.

For the purpose of confidentiality, the initials of patient and family will be used throughout the

care study.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am deeply grateful to the Almighty God for His grace, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding,

which have guided me throughout my studies and enabled the successful completion of this

work.

My sincere appreciation also goes to my patient, Mrs. L.A., and her family for their patience and

cooperation during our interactions, which greatly contributed to the success of this work.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Principal of Saviour Church Nursing and Midwifery

Training College, Osiem, Mrs. Lydia Mireku Antwi, as well as my supervisor, Mr. Benjamin

Asiedu – Ayeh for their invaluable guidance and support. I also appreciate all the tutors of the

college for their encouragement and assistance.

I am equally thankful to the entire Nursing and Medical Staff of Hawa Memorial Saviour

Hospital, Osiem, particularly the staff of the female medical ward, for their support.

Additionally, I acknowledge the authors and publishers whose works served as valuable

references for this study.

Lastly, I am especially grateful to my family, particularly my parents and my siblings, for their

financial support and unwavering encouragement, which played a crucial role in the successful

completion of this work.

 INTRODUCTION

TO BE DONE AFTER WORK.(SUPERVISOR DISCRETION).

TABLE OF CONTENT

TO BE DONE AFTER WORK.

 CHAPTER ONE

ASSESSMENT OF PATIENT AND FAMILY

1.0 Introduction

Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. It involves two steps: first, collecting and

verifying data from a primary source (the client) and secondary sources (family, health

professionals), then the analysis of those data as a basis for developing nursing diagnosis and an

individualized nursing care plan. (Potter & Peery, 2010).

The method used in data collection includes observation, interviewing, physical examination,

review of patient records and literature review. It allows for the planning of comprehensive care

which is multifocal and effective.

This chapter includes the following:

 Patient’s Particulars

 Family Medical History

 Family Socio-economic History

 Patient’s Developmental History

 Patient’s Lifestyle and Hobbies

 Patient’s Past Medical History

 Patient’s Present Medical History

 Admission of Patient

 Patient’s Concept of Illness

 Literature Review

 Validation of Data
1.1 Patient’s Particulars

Mrs. L.A., the subject of this care study, is a 36-year-old woman, born on 7 th November, 1988 to

the late Mr. S.M. and Mrs. E.A. She is the eldest of five (5) siblings. She is a Ghanaian by

nationality, born at Sogakope in the volta region and is an Ewe by tribe. She has a dark

complexion, and had a height of 153cm, and a weight of 55 kilograms at the time of admission.

Her highest educational qualification is at the Junior High School level. She speaks Twi and Ewe

fluently. She is a food vendor at Kibi.

Mrs. L.A. is married to Mr. A.H, and they have four children (2 males and 2 females). The

family resides in their home in Kibi, where she lives with her husband and some of their

children. She is a Christian and attends the Church of the Lord Brotherhood in Kibi. Her eldest

daughter, Miss E.A, is her next of kin. Patient is insured under the National Health Insurance

Scheme (NHIS).

1.2 Patient Family’s Medical History

Mrs. L.A. reports that there is no family history of chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes,

tuberculosis, hypertension, or mental health disorders. She states that her husband, siblings,

children, and other family members are in good health, with no known chronic medical

conditions. However, she mentioned that she and her family occasionally experience minor

health issues such as headaches, fever, and body aches, which they usually manage with over-

the-counter medications. She was educated on the risks of self-medicating, emphasizing the

importance of seeking professional medical attention whenever health concerns arise. While

there are no known allergies in the family, lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and

stress management were discussed as potential contributors to long-term health outcomes.

Although there is no significant family history of chronic diseases, the use of over-the-counter

medications without medical consultation could pose risks of misdiagnosis or delayed treatment

of underlying conditions. Regarding deceased relatives, she stated that both of her parents had

passed away, with her father dying of old age and her mother losing her life in a car accident.

Additionally, all of her grandparents are deceased, with their deaths attributed to old age.

1.3 Patient Family’s Socio-Economic History

According to Mrs. L.A., her husband is the breadwinner of the family. The husband is a building

contractor, and he takes responsibility for catering for the needs of the family. Patient’s highest

level of education is Junior High School. She is a food vendor at Kibi. She gets her financial

support from her husband. She also supports the family in terms of fees, food and other bills.

The relationship among members of the extended family is cordial. This was evidenced by the

frequent visits, care and concern they showed her during her admission period till discharge.

According to her, she lives in a society where attending social activity is of utmost importance.

Family members attend social gatherings including marriage ceremonies, out-dooring, and

funerals. Again, members of the family are insured under the National Health Insurance Scheme

(NHIS) and this serves as a source of support during medical care.

1.4 Patient’s Developmental History

The developmental history was given by patient herself and her mother was the source of the

information she gave. According to Mrs. L.A., her mother had a spontaneous vaginal delivery at

term on 7th November, 1988 without any difficulties or complications during pregnancy, delivery

and throughout the period of breastfeeding. Congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate,

congenital heart defect and hydrocephalous were absent at the time of delivery. She said she did

not know if she was immunized against the six childhood preventable diseases such as measles,
tuberculosis, yellow fever and poliomyelitis, but a Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) scar was

observed on her right upper arm, which indicates that she was vaccinated at childhood. Mrs. L.A.

was exclusively breastfed for six months before she was introduced to complementary feeds like

porridge and cereals such as sorghum and maize. She went through normal developmental

milestones, such as sitting, crawling, standing, walking and running between the ages of one and

three years old. She developed secondary sexual characteristics such as the development of

breasts and the enlargement of hip and pubic hair around age twelve. She had her menarche

when she was 14 years of age. She added that she started her education at basic school and

ended at Junior High School due to financial difficulties. Currently, she is married to Mr. A.H.,

and they are blessed with four children (2 males and 2 females). She stays with her family at

Kibi.

According to Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development (1959), there are eight distinct

stages, with each possible result being either success or failure. The patient is currently thirty-six

years old, and according to Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, she falls within

the sixth stage, “Intimacy vs. isolation” (19-40 years). The major conflict at this stage of life

centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success at this stage leads to

fulfilling relationships. Struggling at this stage, on the other hand, can result in feelings of

loneliness and isolation.

Upon further discussions and observations, I am sincerely convinced that patient has developed a

sense of intimacy because she is currently married and has formed strong bonds with others,

while also expressing personal thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities with trusted people.
1.5 Patient’s Lifestyle and Hobbies

According to Mrs. L.A., she normally wakes up at about 5 am in the morning, washes her mouth

using a chewing stick before using a toothbrush and toothpaste. She then sweeps her compound

neatly and prepares breakfast for the family before going to her shop. She empties her bowel and

takes her bath. According to her, she leaves the house to work around 8 am. She goes to the

market on all the days except weekends.

On Saturdays, she washes her clothing and performs general house cleaning. Afterwards, she

either attends friends or family weddings or remains home with the family. On Sundays, she and

her family go for church. After church, she gets back home and prepares food for the family. She

said that they take three square meals a day. Patient’s hobbies are singing and listening to music.

She loves to watch television with friends and family during her leisure time. According to her,

she goes to bed mostly around 9 pm. She does not take in alcoholic beverages or smoke. She

added that she eats all varieties of foods, but her favorite is Fufu with groundnut soup. There is a

clear link between her lifestyle and her condition, gastroenteritis. Frequent market visits and

exposure to various food sources increase the risk of consuming contaminated food or water.

Additionally, traditional food preparation methods, if not handled hygienically, may contribute to

bacterial or viral infections. These factors might have also contributed to patient’s condition.

1.6 Patient’ Past Medical History

According to Mrs. L.A., she has no known allergies to drugs and has not been involved in any

accident or injury. She said she was admitted to the Kibi Government Hospital about five years

ago on account of malaria and since then has not been hospitalized again. She occasionally

experienced minor ailments such as headaches, which she treated with over-the-counter

medications such as ibuprofen. According to her, she has never undergone surgery before.
1.7 Patient’ Present Medical History

According to Mrs. L.A., she was in good health until the afternoon of October 3, 2024, when she

suddenly developed abdominal pain followed by two episodes of watery stool. Earlier that day,

she had eaten Waakye bought from a roaming food vendor. As the day progressed, her condition

worsened, and later that night, she experienced two episodes of vomiting accompanied by a

headache. At the time, she was at her shop attending to customers but had to stop selling and

return home due to the discomfort. In an attempt to manage the symptoms, she took 1g of

paracetamol, which she had at home from a previous pharmacy purchase. However, her

condition did not improve, and eating or drinking triggered further nausea and abdominal

cramping, making her feel worse. Resting and staying still provided slight relief, but the

symptoms persisted. As a result, she was rushed to the Emergency Unit of Hawa Memorial

Saviour Hospital, Osiem that same night, where she was diagnosed with gastroenteritis.

1.8 Admission of Patient

Mrs. L.A. was admitted to the Female Medical Ward on the 3 rd of October, 2024 by Dr. A.F.

with the diagnosis of Gastroenteritis at 11:50 pm. She was transported in a wheelchair into the

ward, accompanied by a nurse and her husband. She came to the ward with a history of

abdominal pains episodes of watery stools (x2) and vomiting (2x)

Patient and relative were welcomed and were offered a seat at the nurses’ station. After

introductions were made to them and the other staff present, the patient’s folder and necessary

documents, including the admission notes, were collected from the accompanying nurse. The

patient's name was confirmed by mentioning it and cross-checking it with the folder, while the

prescribed medications were also verified. Reassurance was given to the patient and her husband
that, with the support of the competent healthcare team, recovery would be achieved soon. The

patient was then escorted to a prepared admission bed and introduced to the nearby patients.

Patient's vital signs were checked and recorded as follows;

 Temperature – 37.3 degree Celsius

 Pulse – 104 beats per minute

 Respiration – 24 cycles per minute

 Blood pressure – 110/70mmHg

Blood sample was taken for laboratory investigation ordered by the doctor as follows;

1. Full blood count

2. Blood film for malaria parasite (BF for most)

3. Stool for culture

An intravenous line was secured, and urgent medications were administered as prescribed.

The drugs prescribed by the doctor are;

1. IV Ciprofloxacin 200mg bd x 48 hours

2. IV Paracetamol 1g tds hourly x 24 hours

3. IV Normal saline 1 liter x 24 hours

4. IV Ringer's lactate 1litre x 24 hours

Patient was assisted to change into her night wear. Her belongings were kept in the locker closer

to her bed and valuables labeled and kept with the ward in charge. She was also orientated to the

ward and it annexes. Patient and relative were informed of the ward protocols, the rules and

regulations including visiting hours and times for ward rounds. Patient and relative were
educated on the importance of the National Health Insurance Scheme that, it covers only some

specific drugs and they may be made to buy or make some payments for certain treatment and

investigations carried on the patient.

I then introduced myself to patient and her husband, as a final year student of the Saviour Church

Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Osiem who would like to nurse her and her family and

after which I will write a report on her as part of my academic requirement. I assured them of

privacy and confidentiality and made them aware that home visits will be made while on

admission and after discharge. They consented and assured me of their support and cooperation.

Information was obtained to fill the folder papers at the nurses' station. Entries were made into

the Admission and Discharge book as well as the Daily Ward State. The preparation for

discharge started from the day of admission as patient and relative were also informed that

admission to the hospital was temporal and she would be discharged home as soon as the

condition subsides.

1.9 Patient’s Concept of Illness

Upon interaction with Mrs. L.A., she believes her illness was probably due to the kind of foods

she has being eating. She said she mostly eats spicy foods like indomie. She also believes that,

with the help of medical and nursing staff, her condition would improve and with proper

treatment and care, she will eventually be well.

1.10 Literature Review

Definition of Gastroenteritis

According to Weller (2010), gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines

causing episodes of nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

According to Beers (2011), Gastroenteritis (also known as stomach flu, gastric flu and stomach

virus, although unrelated to influenza is marked by severe gastrointestinal tract symptoms

involving the stomach and small intestine, resulting in acute diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be

transmitted by contact with water and food.

Incidence

Beers, Fletcher & Jones (2010), stated that gastroenteritis is a major cause of morbidity and

mortality in undeveloped nations. It affects people of all ages. It can be life-threatening in the

elderly and debilitated persons. In the United States, this disorder ranks second to common cold

and causes loss of work time. It is the fifth cause of death among children.

Aetiology/Cause

According to Boyce (2014), gastroenteritis is caused by the following;

1. Viruses: examples include Adenovirus, Rotavirus, and Echovirus.

2. Protozoa examples include Entoamoeba histolytica.

3. Bacteria examples include Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus,

Clostridium botulinum, and Clostridium perfrigens.

4. Parasites examples include Ascaris, Enterobius, and Trichinella spiralis.

5. Ingestion of toxins such as poisonous plants or toadstools.

6. Food allergies.

7. Drug reaction from antibiotics.

Risk Factors

According to LeMone & Burke, (2014), the following predisposes one to gastroenteritis

1. Poor hygiene and lack of sanitation.

2. Infection may arise from poorly cooked food.

3. Use of unclean water.

4. Compromised immune system.

5. Insufficient reheating of food to kill bacteria may speed up multiplication and increase the

bacteria load ingestion.

Mode of Transmission

Beers (2011) stated that gastroenteritis can be transmitted through the following means;

1. From person to person, especially if someone with diarrhoea does not thoroughly wash

their hands after bowel movement.

2. A person and sometimes a large number of people (in which case an outbreak of illness is

called an epidemic), can also become infected by eating food or drinking water that has

been contaminated by infected stool.

3. Most food can be contaminated with bacteria and cause gastroenteritis if not cooked

thoroughly or pasteurized.

4. Contaminated water is sometimes ingested in unexpected ways, such as when swimming

in a pond contaminated with stool from an animal or another person.

Pathophysiology

According to Walsh & Crumble, (2012), the organism invades the enterocytes in the villus

epithelium through foods and multiplies rapidly, altering the body’s immune system response to

infection, resulting in inflammatory reactions. The infection then results in transudation of fluids

into the intestinal lumen, and the bowel reacts to the infections with hyper motility, producing

severe diarrhea. Bacteria also cause gastroenteritis by several mechanisms through ingestion of

contaminated foods. Examples are Escherichia coli, Clostridum deficile, and Staphylococcus

aureus, which adhere to the intestinal mucosa and produce enterotoxins. These toxins impair

interstitial absorption and cause bleeding and secretion of electrolytes and water. The resulting

diarrhea contains blood parasites like gardia and cryoperelium invade the interstitial mucosa

causing diarrhea. It is acquired through person-to-person transmission.

Types of Gastroenteritis

Beers (2011) stated that gastroenteritis can be divided into three main groups, which are;

1. Acute gastroenteritis

2. Chronic gastroenteritis

3. Toxic gastroenteritis

Acute Gastroenteritis

This may develop in acute illness, especially when the patient has had a major traumatic injury

like burns and severe infections. The ingestion of irritating food as hot pepper can cause acute

gastroenteritis. Excessive intake of alcohol and hypersensitivity to food such as gluten and cow

milk can lead to this condition. It may also be secondary to infections like malaria and pernicious

anemia, among others. Acute gastroenteritis is characterized by severe abdominal cramps,

nausea, vomiting, fever, general malaise and diarrhea.

Chronic Gastroenteritis

This is caused by intestinal infections caused by recurring exposure to irritating substances such

as surgical alterations such as short bowel syndrome which reduces the size of the colon leading

to decrease anal status like anxiety or depression over a while can lead to chronic gastroenteritis.

Chronic gastroenteritis is characterized by nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, dyspepsia,

nonspecific fever, hiccup and dehydration.

Toxic Gastroenteritis

It occurs as a result of ingestion of irritants or corrosive poisons and substances that counteract

the protective function of the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Ingestion of poison like

mercury, ammonia, and carbon dioxide can lead to the condition. Drugs like aspirin and other

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cytotoxic agents, caffeine, corticosteroids and

indomitacin, when taken in large doses, can lead to toxic gastroenteritis. Endotoxins released

from infecting bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus or salmonella can lead to

this condition. Toxic gastroenteritis is characterized by nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea,

fever, malaise and dyspepsia.

Clinical Manifestations

According to Boyce (2014), the following are the signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis;

1. Nausea and vomiting

2. Diarrhoea

3. Loss of appetite

4. Fever

5. Headache

6. Abnormal flatulence
 7. Abdominal pains

8. Abdominal cramps

9. Bloody stools (dysentery – suggesting infection by amoeba, Salmonella, Shigella,

Campylobacter or some pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli.

10. Fainting and Weakness

11. Heartburns

Complications

LeMone & Burke (2014) indicated that in severe cases;

1. Dehydration comes as a result of excessive vomiting and frequent passing of watery

stools.

2. Shock may occur. Hypovolaemic shock refers to a medical or surgical condition in which

rapid fluid loss results in multiple organ failure due to inadequate circulating volume and

subsequent inadequate perfusion.

3. Haemolytic uraemia syndrome is likely to occur. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a

clinical syndrome characterized by progressive renal failure that is associated with

microangiopathic (nonimmune, Coombs-negative) haemolytic anaemia and

thrombocytopenia.

4. Some viruses may cause Reiter’s syndrome. Reactive arthritis (ReA), formerly termed

Reiter syndrome, is an autoimmune condition that develops in response to an infection. It

has been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) infections with Shigella, Salmonella,

Campylobacter, and other organisms, as well as with genitourinary (GU) infections

(especially with Chlamydia trachomatis).

 5. Renal failure can result. Kidney failure, also known as renal failure or renal insufficiency,

is a medical condition of impaired kidney function in which the kidneys fail to adequately

filter metabolic wastes from the blood.

6. Vascular collapse. Vascular collapse is ultimately the result of an imbalance between

tissue oxygen delivery and the metabolic needs of the body.

Diagnostic Investigation

LeMone, Burke, Bauldoff & Gubrud (2011) stated that;

1. Stool culture (by direct rectal swab) can be used to identify causative organism.

2. Stool Microscopy for ova or parasites

3. Gram stain of vomitus may reveal Staphylococci in Staphylococcus food poisoning.

4. Blood culture may be performed to assess for bacteraemia with suspected infection of the

gastrointestinal tract.

5. Blood serum examination may reveal the presence of suspected toxins, especially if

botulism is present.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

According to Walsh & Crumble (2012), Gastroenteritis, when acute must be treated as a medical

emergency for the following reasons,

 To avoid the spread of disease to other people.

 To avoid the complications of the disease.

Hospitalization may be needed as the patient requires supportive treatment consisting of bed rest,

nutritional support and increased fluid intake, which needs monitoring. Drugs given may include;

1. Histamine-receptor antagonists such as cimetidine may be prescribed as they block

gastric secretion.
 2. Antacids may be used as buffers, which can be administered hourly to the situation.

Analgesics may also be given for abdominal pains.

3. Anti-emetics, for example, Phenergan is given to reduce vomiting.

4. Bismuth-containing compounds such as prochlopauzine or thobenzamide can be given.

5. Intravenous fluids and electrolytes replacement. The intravenous fluids which are

normally given are normal saline, dextrose saline and Ringer's lactate.

6. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or metronidazole can be given

Nursing Management

According to Beers (2011), the following are the management of gastroenteritis.

The nursing management is put under the following headings,

1. Comfort and rest

In order to promote rest and comfort for client, there is a need to perform the following

activities for the patient.

 Promote a period of rest during symptomatic stages according to the level of

fatigue.

 Maintain a straightened bed, free of creases and cramps to promote comfort.

 Emotional support and divisional activities are necessary, especially when recovery and

convalesces are prolonged.

 Encourage gradual resumption of activities and mild exercise during the convalescence

period. They should, however, be planned not to interfere with rest period.

 Administer prescribed analgesics to relieve pain.

2. Maintain adequate nutrition.

It is always difficult for the patient to take in sufficient food and fluids due to nausea and
vomiting. If patient cannot tolerate fluids orally, then intravenous fluids should be

instituted. If patient cannot eat, replace the lost fluids and electrolytes with light soup as

tolerated by the patient. There is a need to vary the client’s food to make it enjoyable. Client

should be allowed to eat the food of her choice, but is advisable to avoid milk and milk

products as it precipitates the reoccurrence of the condition. Restore normal body weight

by maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in calories, protein, and vitamins.

3. Personal hygiene.

The nurse should always wash hands thoroughly before and after carrying out any procedure on

the patient to prevent the spread of infection. The nurse should always teach

client on ways to maintain personal hygiene. Advise client to eat food cooked at home

rather than buying from outside to minimize infections. Patient should be instructed to wash

hands immediately after visiting the toilet and before and after handling food. Client

should always avoid the use of contaminated water and food and also avoid eating raw fruits

and vegetables without washing them.

Patient/Family Teaching and Education

According to Walsh & Crumble (2012),

1. Teach the patient about gastroenteritis, describing its symptoms and varied causes.

2. Explain why stool specimen may be necessary for diagnosis and the purpose of the

prescribed treatment.

3. Instruct patient to wait until diarrhoea subsides before resuming the intake of fruit juice

and tea, among others.

4. Tell the patient to limit foods that are spicy or high in roughages or raw fruits or

vegetables, and explain that those foods can precipitate diarrhoea.

 5. Review the proper use of prescribed drugs and ensure that the patient understands the

desired effects and possible adverse effects.

6. Teach preventive measures and proper measures to prevent recurrence and if the patient

expects to travel, advise the patient to pay close attention to what she eats and drinks,

especially in developing nations.

7. Instruct patient and family to thoroughly cook foods, especially pork and to refrigerate

perishable foods like milk and to wash their hands with warm water and soap before

handling food, especially after visiting the bathroom.

8. Instruct the patient and family to thoroughly clean utensils and eliminate flies and

cockroaches from the home.

Validation of Data

This is the act of ensuring that data is collected on the health needs of patients and verifying their

validity in order to free them from errors, bias and misinterpretations.

Data collected from patients, family members, and health records as well as literature reviewed

were valid and accurate.

Hence, Mrs. L.A.’s diagnosis is true as she presented with signs and symptoms of Gastroenteritis

and was confirmed by the laboratory investigations.