Let's take steps in providing high quality of care
to all of our Gastroparesis patients!
1-Whether you are a home caretaker,
doctor, physician assistant, nurse, technician, etc make sure first your patient is comfortable. Having a bad day? leave it
outside of the office and remember great reputations are not just handed out, they are built over time.
In an ER setting warm blankets are a must as
well low light. If the emergency room is busy respect the patient and any family members, friends or loved ones by
closing the door or curtain.
Call button! Call button! How can the patient notify
you once you leave the room and they need assistance if they do not have the call button bedside?
2-After performing a full physical
exam and taking medical history, you may want to order several blood tests to check blood counts and chemical and electrolyte
levels. To rule out an obstruction or other conditions, you might suggest the following tests:
Upper endoscopy-Viewing the lining of the stomach
to check for any abnormalities.
Ultrasound-Great tool to help rule out gallbladder
disease and pancreatic conditions.
CAT scan-Scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue
and blood vessels providing greater clarity and helping to reveal more details than regular x-ray exams. One of the best and
fastest diagnostic tests for the abdomen.
*CAUTION-PLEASE BE AWARE OF OVERUSE DUE TO HIGH LEVELS OF
RADIATION FOUND IN CURRENT MEDICAL/RESEARCH STUDIES.
MRI-MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio
frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal
body structures.
*MRI DOES NOT USE IONIZING RADIATION (x-rays).
Barium X- ray-Fluoroscopy
makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. When the upper GI tract is coated with barium, the radiologist is able
to view and assess the anatomy and function of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
3-Treating Severe
Dehydration
For adults and even children who are severely dehydrated,
treatment of the condition should be done by emergency personnel in an ambulance or hospital staff in an emergency room. The
person should receive fluids and salts through a vein instead of the mouth. This form of hydration provides the body with
water and essential nutrients faster than oral solutions, which is imperative.
*Patient education on dehydration-You can create your
own oral re-hydration solution in an emergency situation where no preformulated solution
is available. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and a liter of safe drinking water.
Be accurate with your measurements since every component should have an exact amount or the solution can prove ineffective.
4-Pain Management
If the patient
is experiencing chronic pain, you may prescribe a specific drug regimen. Every person is different, so treatment will be tailored
to their needs. Listed below are some suggested drugs that may be prescribed for chronic pain.
*ALTERNATE WAYS FOR TREATING PAIN
HEATING PADS FOR HOME USE SHOW OVERALL IMPROVEMENT FOR PAIN. FOR
PATIENTS ON THE GO WE SUGGEST HEAT PATCHES OR HEAT WRAPS SUCH AS THERMACARE HEAT WRAPS OR GENERIC BRANDS.
5-Treating Nausea
The following drugs and medications are used in the
treatment of Nausea/Vomiting.
Drugs associated with Nausea/Vomiting:
*ALTERNATE WAYS TO TREAT NAUSEA
HEATING PADS OR HEAT WRAPS. PEPPERMINT LIFESAVERS AND PEPPERMINT
OIL.
