The infant will receive clear
liquids for a period of time.
The usual way to treat an infant
hospitalized with gastroenteritis is to keep the infant nothing-by-mouth
status to rest the gastrointestinal tract. The resulting fluid volume
deficit is treated with intravenous fluids. When the infant's condition
is controlled (e.g., when vomiting subsides), clear liquids are then
started slowly. Formula and juice will be started once the infant's
vomiting has subsided and the infant has demonstrated the ability to
tolerate clear liquids for a period of time. In this situation, there is
no need to test the infant's blood every day for anemia. Most likely,
the infant's serum electrolyte levels would be monitored closely.
Typically, an infant is placed in a private room because gastroenteritis
is most commonly caused by a virus that is easily transmitted to
others.
