Choice A rationale:

The parent's statement, "Yes, my child has had frequent diarrhea," is expected in a child with gastroenteritis caused by a viral infection.

Viral gastroenteritis often presents with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and sometimes fever.

Frequent, watery diarrhea is a common characteristic of viral gastroenteritis in children.

The nurse should be aware of this symptom to provide appropriate care, including rehydration and monitoring for signs of dehydration.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "No, my child's bowel movements are normal," would not be an expected response from the parent of a child with gastroenteritis.

As mentioned earlier, viral gastroenteritis typically causes changes in bowel habits, leading to frequent diarrhea.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "My child has been constipated," is not consistent with the symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Constipation involves infrequent and difficult bowel movements, which are not typical symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "My child has been vomiting a lot," is a symptom of gastroenteritis.

However, the question specifically asks about changes in bowel movements.

While vomiting is a common symptom of gastroenteritis, the focus here is on bowel movements, making choice A The correct answer.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "My child has had diarrhea for a few days," is a potential statement the nurse might hear during the assessment of a child with gastroenteritis.

Diarrhea is a common symptom of viral gastroenteritis and can lead to dehydration if not properly managed.

The nurse should assess the duration, frequency, and characteristics of the diarrhea to determine the severity of the condition and plan appropriate interventions.

Choice A rationale:

The statement, "My child has been eating and drinking normally," does not align with the symptoms described by the client.

Children with gastroenteritis often have decreased appetite and may not tolerate normal food and fluid intake due to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "My child's bowel movements have been regular," contradicts the reported symptoms of diarrhea and stomach pain.

Regular bowel movements are not expected in a child with gastroenteritis, which commonly causes loose or watery stools.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "My child hasn't had any abdominal discomfort," is not consistent with the typical symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Abdominal discomfort, cramping, and pain are common complaints in individuals with gastroenteritis, especially during episodes of diarrhea.

Choice A rationale:

Ensuring proper handwashing before meals and after using the toilet is an effective prevention strategy for gastroenteritis.

Proper hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of viral and bacterial infections, including those causing gastroenteritis.

Choice D rationale:

Advising parents to keep their child away from sick individuals is another effective prevention strategy.

Gastroenteritis is highly contagious and can spread through close contact with infected individuals.

Avoiding contact with sick individuals reduces the risk of exposure to the viruses or bacteria causing gastroenteritis.

Choice E rationale:

Recommending vaccination against common viral causes of gastroenteritis is a preventive measure.

Vaccines are available for certain viruses, such as rotavirus, which is a common cause of gastroenteritis in children.

Immunization helps protect children from severe cases of gastroenteritis and reduces the overall prevalence of the disease in the community.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the sharing of utensils among children to build immunity is not a recommended strategy for preventing gastroenteritis.

Sharing utensils can increase the risk of spreading infections, including gastroenteritis.

Proper hygiene practices, such as using separate utensils and avoiding sharing drinks and food, are essential to prevent the transmission of the disease.

Choice C rationale:

Promoting the consumption of untreated stream water during outdoor activities is not a safe practice.

Untreated water sources, including streams, can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that can cause gastroenteritis and other waterborne illnesses.

Encouraging children to drink clean, treated water from safe sources is important to prevent gastrointestinal infections.

Choice A rationale:

Gastroenteritis does not cause the intestines to absorb excess fluids.

In fact, it does the opposite by decreasing absorption and increasing fluid secretion, leading to diarrhea.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect.

Gastroenteritis does not inhibit fluid secretion; instead, it damages the intestines, causing increased fluid secretion and decreased absorption, which results in diarrhea.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer.

Gastroenteritis, especially the infectious type, damages the intestines.

The infection leads to decreased absorption of fluids and increased fluid secretion, causing diarrhea.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is inaccurate.

Gastroenteritis does impact fluid balance in the intestines.

It disrupts the normal functioning of the intestines, leading to fluid imbalances.

Choice A rationale:

Fungal infections are not a common cause of gastroenteritis in children.

Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are the primary culprits.

Choice B rationale:

Exposure to cold weather is not a direct cause of gastroenteritis.

The condition is mainly caused by infections, as mentioned in choice C.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer.

Gastroenteritis in children is commonly caused by viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.

These microorganisms can lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.

Choice D rationale:

Gastroenteritis is generally not caused by food allergies in children.

While food allergies can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, the typical presentation of gastroenteritis involves infectious agents rather than allergic reactions.

Choice A rationale:

The correct answer.

Stool culture and sensitivity testing are essential diagnostic tests for identifying the causative organism in bacterial infections related to gastroenteritis.

This test helps determine the specific bacteria causing the infection and their susceptibility to antibiotics, guiding appropriate treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Blood tests to assess kidney function are not specific to diagnosing gastroenteritis or its causative organism.

These tests are more relevant in assessing kidney-related issues.

Choice C rationale:

Imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound are not the primary diagnostic tests for identifying the causative organism in gastroenteritis.

These studies are used for visualizing the internal structures of the abdomen and may not provide specific information about the infectious agent.

Choice D rationale:

Viral testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is valuable for detecting viruses, but it is not the first-line diagnostic test for bacterial infections related to gastroenteritis.

Stool culture and sensitivity testing are more appropriate in this context.

Choice A rationale:

The child's fever is not the most reliable indicator of hydration status.

While fever can indicate an infection, it does not provide direct information about the child's hydration level.

Choice B rationale:

The frequency of stools is relevant to gastroenteritis but does not provide a comprehensive assessment of hydration status.

Dehydration can occur even if the child is having frequent stools.

Choice C rationale:

The child's abdominal pain level is important but does not directly assess hydration status.

Abdominal pain is a symptom of gastroenteritis, but it does not provide specific information about the child's hydration level.

Choice D rationale:

Skin turgor, mucous membranes, and urine output are crucial indicators of hydration status.

Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and how quickly it returns to normal after being pinched.

Poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration.

Mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, should be moist.

Dry mucous membranes can suggest dehydration.

Additionally, monitoring urine output is essential.

A decreased urine output or dark-colored urine can indicate dehydration.

These parameters provide a comprehensive assessment of the child's hydration status and guide appropriate interventions.

Choice A rationale:

The child's weight and height are essential for assessing growth and nutritional status.

Changes in weight and height can indicate malnutrition or other health issues.

Choice B rationale:

Documentation of stool characteristics is crucial in assessing gastrointestinal issues such as gastroenteritis.

Characteristics like color, consistency, and presence of blood or mucus can provide important diagnostic information.

Choice C rationale:

Assessment of skin turgor is relevant for hydration status but is not specific to gastroenteritis.

While decreased skin turgor can indicate dehydration, other factors like mucous membranes and urine output are more specific indicators for gastroenteritis-related dehydration.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring the child's temperature is essential to identify fever, which is a common symptom of gastroenteritis and can indicate infection or inflammation.

Choice E rationale:

Evaluating the child's overall appearance and behavior is crucial.

Lethargy, irritability, or other changes in behavior can indicate dehydration or worsening illness.

Additionally, observing the child's general appearance can provide valuable information about their overall health status.

Choice A rationale:

"In gastroenteritis, diarrhea is often bloody and mucus-filled.”.

This statement is incorrect.

While gastroenteritis can cause loose stools, they are usually watery rather than bloody or mucus-filled.

Bloody or mucus-filled stools might indicate other gastrointestinal issues that need further evaluation.

Choice B rationale:

"Diarrhea in gastroenteritis is typically chronic and persistent.”.

This statement is incorrect.

Gastroenteritis often presents with acute symptoms, including sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Chronic and persistent diarrhea might suggest other chronic gastrointestinal conditions but is not characteristic of gastroenteritis.

Choice C rationale:

"Gastroenteritis usually presents with constipation.”.

This statement is incorrect.

Gastroenteritis typically presents with diarrhea, not constipation.

Constipation is the opposite of diarrhea and is not a symptom associated with gastroenteritis.

Choice D rationale:

"The diarrhea in gastroenteritis is usually watery.”.

This statement is correct.

Watery diarrhea is a hallmark symptom of gastroenteritis.

It results from inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased water content in the stools.

This type of diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration if not managed promptly.

Choice A rationale:

The Pediatric Assessment Tool is a broad term and doesn't specify a particular pain assessment method.

It's not the best choice in this context.

Choice B rationale:

The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is a widely used and validated tool for assessing pain in children, especially those who might have difficulty expressing their pain verbally.

It uses facial expressions as indicators of pain levels, making it particularly useful for young children.

Choice C rationale:

The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is a numerical scale from 0 to 10 where patients rate their pain intensity.

While it can be used for children, the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is more child-friendly and visually oriented.

Choice D rationale:

The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a continuous scale used for pain assessment.

It's more suitable for adults and older children, as younger children might find it challenging to understand and use effectively.

Choice A rationale:

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a key treatment for gastroenteritis.

It helps to replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to vomiting and diarrhea, preventing dehydration.

The primary goal of ORT is to control these symptoms and maintain hydration.

Choice B rationale:

While ORT does treat the consequences of the infection (dehydration), it doesn't directly treat the underlying cause, which is often a viral or bacterial infection.

Choice C rationale:

ORT does prevent dehydration, which is a complication of gastroenteritis, but it doesn't specifically prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Choice D rationale:

ORT can often prevent the need for hospitalization by effectively managing dehydration on an outpatient basis.

However, its primary purpose is to prevent dehydration, not to eliminate the need for hospitalization in all cases.

Choice A rationale:

Prescribing an antiemetic might be necessary in some cases, but the immediate concern is to manage the client's thirst and fluid intake.

Trying to control vomiting is secondary to ensuring hydration.

Choice B rationale:

Avoiding any fluid intake can lead to dehydration, especially if the client is experiencing severe vomiting.

This option is not appropriate and can worsen the client's condition.

Choice C rationale:

Starting with a clear liquid diet is a standard approach in managing gastroenteritis.

Clear liquids are easier to digest and can help assess the client's ability to tolerate oral intake.

If the client can tolerate clear liquids without vomiting, it indicates a positive step toward hydration and nutritional intake.

Choice D rationale:

Drinking as much water as possible might not be appropriate, especially if the client is vomiting severely.

Introducing clear liquids first allows for a gradual reintroduction of fluids and assesses the client's tolerance before advancing to more complex diets.

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the parents to teach the child to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is crucial in preventing the spread of infections, especially in cases of gastroenteritis.

This measure helps in containing respiratory droplets that might carry the virus or bacteria causing the illness.

Choice B rationale:

Isolating the child in a separate room away from other family members is essential to prevent the transmission of the disease to others in the household.

Gastroenteritis spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person.

By isolating the child, the risk of spreading the infection to family members is significantly reduced.

Choice C rationale:

Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the child's soiled items is a fundamental hygiene practice.

Proper handwashing removes bacteria and viruses from the hands, preventing the spread of infections.

Teaching the parents this measure ensures they do not inadvertently transfer the bacteria to surfaces or other people in the household.

Choice D rationale:

Sharing utensils and towels with the child is not an appropriate measure to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis.

This behavior increases the risk of cross-contamination and can lead to other family members becoming infected.

It is important to stress the importance of personal hygiene items to limit the spread of the disease.

Choice E rationale:

Disinfecting surfaces and toys that the child has come into contact with is crucial in preventing the spread of gastroenteritis.

The virus or bacteria causing the illness can survive on surfaces for a certain period, making it essential to regularly disinfect commonly touched items.

This measure reduces the risk of other family members coming into contact with the pathogens and getting sick.

Choice D rationale:

Administering antibiotics is appropriate for a child with bacterial gastroenteritis.

Bacterial gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli, and antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the bacteria from the body.

However, it is essential to note that not all cases of gastroenteritis require antibiotics.

Antibiotics are specifically used for bacterial infections and are not effective against viral gastroenteritis.

Choice A rationale:

Administering antiviral medication is not appropriate for bacterial gastroenteritis.

Antiviral medications are designed to treat viral infections, and bacterial gastroenteritis requires antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the illness.

Choice B rationale:

Offering a clear liquid diet is a general measure used for both viral and bacterial gastroenteritis.

Clear liquids help prevent dehydration and provide essential electrolytes.

However, this intervention does not directly target the bacterial infection.

It is important to combine this with antibiotic therapy for bacterial gastroenteritis.

Choice C rationale:

Providing probiotics is generally beneficial for gut health but may not be the primary intervention for bacterial gastroenteritis.

Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of the gut flora.

While probiotics can be useful in some cases, the primary treatment for bacterial gastroenteritis remains antibiotics to eliminate the harmful bacteria causing the infection.

Choice C rationale:

Probiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

In the context of gastroenteritis, probiotics can help restore the balance of the gut flora, especially after a course of antibiotics.

Beneficial bacteria aid in digestion and support the immune system.

By promoting the growth of these beneficial bacteria, probiotics contribute to the overall health of the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice A rationale:

"They help prevent the infection from spreading to others.”.

This statement is incorrect.

Probiotics do not prevent the spread of infections to others.

Instead, they focus on restoring the natural balance of bacteria in the gut.

Choice B rationale:

"Probiotics kill the bacteria causing gastroenteritis.”.

This statement is incorrect.

Probiotics do not have a direct bactericidal effect against the bacteria causing gastroenteritis.

They work by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria rather than killing harmful bacteria.

Choice D rationale:

"Probiotics relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis.”.

While probiotics can support overall gut health, saying they directly relieve symptoms might be an oversimplification.

Probiotics may help in reducing symptoms indirectly by restoring gut balance, but they might not provide immediate relief from symptoms like diarrhea or abdominal pain.

It's essential to manage symptoms with appropriate medical guidance and treatments.