Homecare issues in rotavirus gastroenteritis

Abstract

Purpose: This article will describe the burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RGE) and its management, highlighting educational issues that nurse practitioners can assist caregivers to enhance at-home management.

Data source: A Medline search of the medical literature was used to identify articles that describe the burden, clinical presentation, and management of RGE.

Conclusions: RGE is a serious medical condition characterized by diarrhea and vomiting and is a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization among children aged 5 years or younger. Proper at-home treatment can be challenging; however, improved home care may limit emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

Implications for practice: Mild to moderate RGE may be successfully managed at home if caregivers are adequately educated in deciding when a child needs to be evaluated in a physician's office and in managing dehydration at home.