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Menstruation; Whats happening to my body?

Contents [ hide ] Introduction Actually, what you are experiencing is a normal physiological process that begins once a girl reaches puberty. The first menstruation in a woman’s life is referred to as menarche , this could happen between the ages of 10 to 15 with most (the average) girls having theirs around age 12. It involves bleeding from the uterus at regular intervals. The end of menstruation is termed menopause , this usually happens between the ages of 45 to 55. Menstruation is therefore defined as the cyclical or monthly flow of blood and shedding of endometrium including mucus, some enzymes and unfertilized ovum. So, what really happens? Well in simple terms, it all begins with changes in hormones in the body. You can think of hormones as messengers that are sent by some organs of your body to tell other cells to do something. In this particular case, an organ called hypothalamus which is found in your brain begins the process. [Fast forward] The ovaries release f...
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Cholera; Clinical features, Mode of Transmission, Diagnosis, Management and Prevention

This is an acute notifiable diarrhea disease which is caused by vibrio cholerae usually occurring in epidemic forms. It is characterized by profuse watery (rice water) stools. The incubation period for cholera is between a few hours to 5 days.
Vector: Houseflies

Mode of Transmission

  1. Direct ingestion of infected faeces through hands.
  2. Indirect transmission through;
  3. Taking of food that is contaminated by the vibrio cholera.
  4. Drinking contaminated water.
  5. From soiled articles of infected individuals.

Clinical Features

  1. Sudden onset of profuse watery (“rice water”) stool
  2. Vomiting (mostly profuse)
  3. Diarrhea accompanied with gripping pain
  4. Rapid dehydration with its signs (Sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, fallen cheeks, depressed fontanels, etc.).
  5. Low pulse
  6. Thirst
  7. Weakness
  8. Shallow respiration

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation.
  • Direct stool microscopy.

Medical Management

  1. Replacement of fluids through intravenous infusion.
  2. Oral rehydration.
  3. Treatment with chloramphenicol and tetracycline.

Nursing Management

  1. Strict barrier nursing must be ensured.
  2. Nurse patient on cholera bed.
  3. Monitor IV fluids closely. Sometimes, you need to run intravenous fluids at fast rate.
  4. Practice concurrent disinfection of articles of infected persons.
  5. Give oral rehydration solution.
  6. Monitor intake and output chart carefully and record.
  7. Assess for dehydration.
  8. Give medications as ordered.
  9. Provide reassurance to patient and family members.

Prevention and Control

  1. Health education on the following;
  2. Hand washing thoroughly with soap under running water before eating.
  3. Drink treated water.
  4. Wash fruits and vegetables properly before eating.
  5. Cook food thoroughly and cover to prevent flies from sitting on the food.
  6. Treat all infected persons adequately and under strict barrier nursing technique
  7. Provision of portable water and toilet facilities.
  8. Isolation and notification of all suspected cases.

Complications

  1. Dehydration
  2. Renal failure
  3. Shock
  4. Coma
  5. Death

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General Nursing Management of Patients with Medical Pathology

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