J Emerg Med
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Acute gastroenteritis is characterized by diarrhea, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. ⋯ In the ED, dehydration is evaluated by synthesizing the historical and physical examination, and obtaining laboratory data points in select patients. No single laboratory value has been found to be accurate in predicting the degree of dehydration and this is not routinely recommended. The evidence suggests that the majority of children with mild to moderate dehydration can be treated successfully with oral rehydration therapy. Ondansetron (orally or intravenously) may be effective in decreasing the rate of vomiting, improving the success rate of oral hydration, preventing the need for i.v. hydration, and preventing the need for hospital admission in those receiving i.v. hydration.
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In many hospitals, emergency physicians commonly initiate invasive positive-pressure ventilation. ⋯ Although unproven, preventive measures taken before, during, and after endotracheal intubation are likely to minimize the frequency, magnitude, and duration of intubation-related hypotension.