IHUMAN CASE STUDY: LAYLA STEVENS 18-Month-Old with Vomiting and Diarrhea Complete
Exam Study Guide | Graded A+ | 2026/2027 Edition
CASE OVERVIEW
| Feature | Details |
|---------|---------|
| Patient | Layla Stevens, 18-month-old female |
| Reason for Encounter | Vomiting and diarrhea |
| Setting | Outpatient clinic with laboratory capabilities |
| Weight | 26 lb (11.8 kg) |
| Height | 2 ft 8 in (81 cm) |
| Accompanied By | Mother (reliable historian) |
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this case study, the learner should be able to:
1. Perform a focused pediatric assessment
2. Differentiate viral gastroenteritis from other causes of vomiting and diarrhea
3. Assess dehydration severity
4. Recognize red-flag symptoms requiring hospitalization
5. Develop an evidence-based treatment plan
6. Educate caregivers on oral rehydration and home management
, 7. Document findings using the SOAP format
8. Apply pediatric medication dosing principles
9. Formulate nursing diagnoses and interventions
---
CHIEF COMPLAINT & HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS
Chief Complaint
"My daughter has been vomiting and has diarrhea since yesterday."
History of Present Illness (OLDCARTS)
| Component | Findings |
|-----------|----------|
| Onset | Symptoms began approximately 24 hours ago |
| Location | Gastrointestinal tract |
| Duration | Vomiting started yesterday morning, followed by diarrhea several hours later |
| Characteristics | Non-bloody, non-bilious vomiting; frequent loose, watery stools; mild
decrease in appetite; increased irritability; reduced activity |
| Aggravating Factors | Eating solid foods; drinking large amounts of fluid quickly |
| Relieving Factors | Small sips of oral electrolyte solution are tolerated better than large
volumes |
| Timing | Vomiting intermittently throughout the day; diarrhea ~6–8 episodes in 24 hours |
| Severity | Moderate |
Contextual Factors
Exam Study Guide | Graded A+ | 2026/2027 Edition
CASE OVERVIEW
| Feature | Details |
|---------|---------|
| Patient | Layla Stevens, 18-month-old female |
| Reason for Encounter | Vomiting and diarrhea |
| Setting | Outpatient clinic with laboratory capabilities |
| Weight | 26 lb (11.8 kg) |
| Height | 2 ft 8 in (81 cm) |
| Accompanied By | Mother (reliable historian) |
---
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this case study, the learner should be able to:
1. Perform a focused pediatric assessment
2. Differentiate viral gastroenteritis from other causes of vomiting and diarrhea
3. Assess dehydration severity
4. Recognize red-flag symptoms requiring hospitalization
5. Develop an evidence-based treatment plan
6. Educate caregivers on oral rehydration and home management
, 7. Document findings using the SOAP format
8. Apply pediatric medication dosing principles
9. Formulate nursing diagnoses and interventions
---
CHIEF COMPLAINT & HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS
Chief Complaint
"My daughter has been vomiting and has diarrhea since yesterday."
History of Present Illness (OLDCARTS)
| Component | Findings |
|-----------|----------|
| Onset | Symptoms began approximately 24 hours ago |
| Location | Gastrointestinal tract |
| Duration | Vomiting started yesterday morning, followed by diarrhea several hours later |
| Characteristics | Non-bloody, non-bilious vomiting; frequent loose, watery stools; mild
decrease in appetite; increased irritability; reduced activity |
| Aggravating Factors | Eating solid foods; drinking large amounts of fluid quickly |
| Relieving Factors | Small sips of oral electrolyte solution are tolerated better than large
volumes |
| Timing | Vomiting intermittently throughout the day; diarrhea ~6–8 episodes in 24 hours |
| Severity | Moderate |
Contextual Factors
