Sandra C., 17

Sandra is a 17-year-old student currently in Form Three at a local secondary school. She is a hardworking, disciplined, and determined young girl who values education and aspires to build a better future for herself and her family. Sandra lives with her single mother, who is the sole provider for the household. Her mother works in a local hotel, earning a modest and unstable income that is barely sufficient to meet the family’s basic needs, including food, rent, school fees, and medical expenses. Despite these financial constraints, her mother continues to work tirelessly to ensure that Sandra remains in school and can pursue her education. Due to the limited household income, Sandra frequently faces challenges in accessing essential school requirements such as tuition fees, learning materials, school uniforms, and sanitary supplies. Nevertheless, she remains resilient, focused, and committed to her studies, believing that education will offer her a pathway out of poverty. Sandra was brought to the hospital by her mother after experiencing a four-day history of persistent vomiting, severe headache, high-grade fever, and intense epigastric abdominal pain. The vomiting was frequent and severe, preventing her from retaining both food and fluids, which placed her at risk of dehydration and significant physical weakness. Her symptoms progressively worsened, prompting her mother to seek urgent medical attention. Upon clinical evaluation, Sandra appeared acutely ill, weak, and visibly distressed due to the persistent abdominal pain and ongoing vomiting. Laboratory investigations and clinical assessment revealed that she was suffering from acute gastritis and a urinary tract infection. The severity of her symptoms, particularly the continuous vomiting, high fever, and abdominal pain, raised concerns about possible dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and systemic infection. Given the seriousness of her condition and the need for close monitoring, Sandra was admitted to the hospital for comprehensive treatment, stabilization, and further investigations to prevent complications and ensure proper recovery.

Sandra was brought to the health facility with a four-day history of persistent vomiting, severe headache, high-grade fever, and epigastric pain. The vomiting was severe, preventing her from retaining both food and fluids, which contributed to significant weakness and concern for dehydration. Upon arrival at the facility, she was stabilized and initiated on treatment that included intravenous Tramadol and Paracetamol for pain and fever management, as well as intravenous Normal Saline (N/S) for rehydration and stabilization. Following clinical evaluation and review of laboratory investigations, Sandra was diagnosed with gastritis, a urinary tract infection, and sepsis, indicating that the infection had become systemic and required prompt medical attention. She was subsequently admitted to the hospital for close monitoring, further investigations, and comprehensive medical management. During admission, she received intravenous fluids, antiemetic medication to control vomiting, antibiotics to treat the infection, pain management, and gastric protective therapy to manage gastritis. Sandra remained under observation for several days and responded well to the prescribed treatment. Her symptoms gradually improved, and once she was clinically stable and in good condition, she was discharged with appropriate medical advice and follow-up instructions.

The severity of the symptoms, particularly the continuous vomiting and high fever, indicated an active infection and inflammation requiring close medical supervision. Due to her weakened state, inability to retain oral intake, and the need for further investigations and supportive therapy, hospital admission was necessary to ensure proper stabilization and management. Sandra’s prognosis is good. She is expected to make a full recovery once the infection resolves and the gastritis is adequately treated.