Nursing Care Plan for Foreign Body Ingestion
Overview
Foreign body ingestion is the accidental or deliberate swallowing of a foreign object. It is a common problem in children, but can also occur in adults. The most common foreign objects ingested are coins, toys, and batteries.
Foreign body ingestion can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
* Choking
* Gagging
* Abdominal pain
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Constipation
In severe cases, foreign body ingestion can lead to perforation of the esophagus or stomach, which can be life-threatening.
Nursing Assessment
The nursing assessment of a patient with foreign body ingestion should include:
* A detailed history of the incident, including the type of object ingested, the time of ingestion, and any symptoms that have occurred.
* A physical examination of the patient’s mouth, throat, and abdomen.
* A chest X-ray to rule out perforation of the esophagus or stomach.
Nursing Diagnosis
The nursing diagnosis for a patient with foreign body ingestion is:
* Risk for aspiration related to foreign body ingestion.
Nursing Goals
The nursing goals for a patient with foreign body ingestion are to:
* Prevent aspiration.
* Remove the foreign object.
* Prevent complications.
Nursing Interventions
The nursing interventions for a patient with foreign body ingestion include:
* Monitor the patient’s vital signs and respiratory status closely.
* Keep the patient NPO until the foreign object has been removed.
* Administer oxygen as needed.
* Prepare the patient for endoscopy or surgery to remove the foreign object.
* Provide emotional support to the patient and family.
Evaluation
The nursing evaluation of a patient with foreign body ingestion should include:
* Assessment of the patient’s respiratory status.
* Assessment of the patient’s ability to swallow.
* Assessment of the patient’s pain level.
* Assessment of the patient’s emotional status.
Additional Information
Foreign body ingestion is a common problem that can be serious if not treated promptly. Nurses play a vital role in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of foreign body ingestion. By following the nursing care plan outlined above, nurses can help to prevent complications and ensure a positive outcome for patients.
Here are some additional tips for preventing foreign body ingestion in children:
* Keep small objects out of reach of children.
* Supervise children when they are eating or playing with toys.
* Cut food into small pieces.
* Do not allow children to eat hard candy or other foods that can easily be choked on.
