Let's take steps in providing high quality of
care to all of our Gastroparesis patients!
1-Whether you are a caregiver,
doctor, physician assistant or nurse, make sure that 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 emergency room 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 the over all blood count, chemical
and electrolyte levels. To rule out an obstruction or other Gastroparesis complication 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.
*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 OR OTHER 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.
