College of Health Sciences
Prince Zaider G. Lucas
BSN 2-A
NURSING CARE PLAN OF EBOLA
Nursing Diagnosis
Electrolyte imbalance related to fluid loss caused by immunosuppression
of Ebola virus secondary to decreased oral intake as manifested by vomiting
and diarrhea.
Nursing Inference
Electrolyte losses occur from draining wounds and fistulas, particularly
gastrointestinal fistulas. In fatal infections, the host’s tissues and blood contain
large numbers of Ebola virions that caused irregularities in sodium and
chloride concentrations happen frequently in situations associated with fluid
imbalances, primarily gastrointestinal fluid losses such as vomiting, diarrhea,
or suctioning caused by immunosuppression of Ebola virus.
Nursing Goal
After 12-24 hours of rendering effective nursing interventions, the
laboratory results will have decrease fluid loss, will decrease vomiting and
diarrhea, and will increase oral intake.
Nursing Interventions
Nursing Interventions Rationale
Lactated Ringer’s solution has an electrolyte concentration similar to that
Supply balanced electrolyte IV of extracellular fluid. Isotonic saline (0.9% sodium chloride) may contribute
solutions as directed. to hypernatremia if used in a long period of time. Extreme use of sodium
free IV solutions (e.g., D5W) puts the patient at risk for hyponatremia.
Administer electrolyte Oral or IV administration of electrolytes may be prescribed to keep
replacements as prescribed. electrolyte balance for patients at risk for imbalances.
College of Health Sciences
Nursing Interventions Rationale
Hyperkalemia is common in patients with end-stage renal disease and may
result in serious electrocardiographic abnormalities. Dialysis is the
Consider measures to reduce
definitive treatment of hyperkalemia in these patients. Intravenous
excess electrolytes.
calcium is used to stabilize the myocardium. Kayexalate may be indicated
to patients at risk for electrolyte excesses such as potassium.
Irrigation of nasogastric tubes with plain water produces electrolyte losses.
Irrigate nasogastric tubes with
Plain water attracts electrolytes from mucosal tissue into the stomach,
isotonic saline, as prescribed.
where they are eliminated with suctioning.
Electrolytes are salts and minerals, like sodium, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, and chloride, in the body that maintain fluid balance and
blood pressure. A balanced diet provides the patient with sources of
electrolytes to prevent imbalances. Milk, yogurt, dark green, leafy
Educate the patient about dietary
vegetables, and legumes are excellent sources of electrolyte calcium.
sources of electrolytes.
Whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables are good sources for magnesium
and potassium. Bananas are known to be the king of all potassium
containing fruits and veggies. Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of
calcium from the intestines.
dill pickles
Sodium tomato juices, sauces, and soups
table salt
potatoes with skin
Potassium plain yogurt
banana
yogurt
milk
ricotta
Calcium collard greens
spinach
kale
sardines
tomato juices, sauces, and soups
lettuce
Chloride
olives
table salt
halibut
Magnesium pumpkin seeds
spinach
College of Health Sciences
Nursing Interventions Rationale
Patients need to learn to read labels to identify all sources of sodium in
foods. Changing from table salt to a potassium-based salt substitute is
another way to shift your sodium-potassium balance, and some
Educate the patient about dietary
preliminary study implies that making this switch may have benefits for
sources of sodium and the use of
the heart. But these potassium-based salt substitutes are not for everyone:
salt substitutes.
Excess potassium can be fatal for people who have kidney disease or who
are taking medications that can increase potassium levels in the
bloodstream.
Educate the patient using To prevent hypokalemia, the patient needs to understand the importance
potassium-wasting about of potassium replacements that include dietary sources and prescribed
potassium replacements. oral replacements such as potassium chloride (KCl).
Excessive use of antacids that contain magnesium has a laxative effect that
Educate the patient about
may cause diarrhea, and in patients with renal failure, they may cause
limiting the use of over-the-
increased magnesium levels in the blood, because of the reduced ability of
counter antacids and laxatives.
the kidneys to eliminate magnesium from the body in the urine.
Nursing Evaluation
After 12 hours of rendering effective nursing interventions, the laboratory
results demonstrates decrease fluid loss, have decrease vomiting and diarrhea,
and the patient increased his oral intake.
