A client with suspected gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. Which diagnostic test would be most appropriate to identify the causative agent?

Choice A rationale:

Vital signs are crucial to assess the child's overall condition and the severity of gastroenteritis. Elevated heart rate and decreased blood pressure may indicate dehydration.

Choice B rationale:

Travel history is important to identify potential sources of infection or exposure, which can help determine appropriate treatment and infection control measures.

Choice C rationale:

Urinary output can be monitored to assess the child's hydration status. Decreased urine output may indicate dehydration.

Choice D rationale:

Blood glucose level, while relevant in some medical conditions, is not a primary consideration in the assessment of gastroenteritis.

Choice E rationale:

Skin turgor reflects the degree of dehydration. Poor skin turgor may indicate significant fluid loss.

Choice A rationale:

Muscle weakness and cramps are not typically associated with gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Choice B rationale:

Weight loss and edema are not common signs of gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis often leads to fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration, but edema is not a typical symptom.

Choice C rationale:

Watery or bloody diarrhea is a hallmark symptom of gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections that inflame the gastrointestinal lining, leading to diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody due to irritation.

Choice D rationale:

Dry mouth and poor skin turgor are indicative of dehydration, which can result from gastroenteritis due to fluid loss from diarrhea and vomiting. However, they are more secondary effects rather than initial signs of the condition.

Choice E rationale:

Fever and chills can occur in cases of gastroenteritis, especially if it's caused by a bacterial infection. Inflammation and immune response triggered by the infection can lead to fever and associated symptoms.