Review Gastroenteritis

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Gastroenteritis

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Total Questions : 21

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Question 1:

. A client has been diagnosed with genital herpes. Which statement best describes the management of genital herpes?

A. Genital herpes can be cured with antibiotics. B. Antiviral drugs can completely eliminate the herpes virus from the body. C. Genital herpes can be managed with antiviral drugs to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. D. Topical agents can provide a permanent cure for genital herpes.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses like herpes, so they cannot cure genital herpes.

Choice B:

While antiviral drugs can help manage genital herpes, they do not completely eliminate the herpes virus from the body. The virus can become dormant and reactivate.

Choice C:

This is the correct answer. Antiviral drugs like acyclovir or valacyclovir are commonly used to manage genital herpes by reducing the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

Choice D:

Topical agents cannot provide a permanent cure for genital herpes, as the virus resides in nerve cells and cannot be entirely eradicated by topical treatments.

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Question 2:

. What is the primary mode of transmission for hepatitis B?

A. Sharing contaminated food and drinks. B. Casual contact with an infected person. C. Sharing personal belongings like towels and razors. D. Sexual contact with an infected person. E. Contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Sharing contaminated food and drinks is not the primary mode of transmission for hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, such as during childbirth, through sexual contact, or sharing of needles.

Choice B:

Casual contact with an infected person is not the primary mode of transmission for hepatitis B. Close and direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids is necessary for transmission.

Choice C:

Sharing personal belongings like towels and razors can potentially transmit hepatitis B if there is exposure to infected blood, but it is not the primary mode of transmission.

Choice D:

Sexual contact with an infected person is a mode of transmission for hepatitis B, but it is not the primary mode. The virus is present in blood and bodily fluids and can be transmitted through various routes.

Choice E:

Contact with infected blood or bodily fluids is the correct answer. Hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, as well as other bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions. This mode of transmission is especially relevant in situations such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth.

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Question 3:

. A nurse is providing education to a group of young adults about the importance of using condoms to prevent STIs. Which of the following statements are accurate regarding condom use? Select all that apply:

A. Condoms are 100% effective in preventing all types of STIs. B. Consistent and correct use of condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs, including HIV. C. Male condoms should be used with oil-based lubricants to enhance effectiveness. D. Female condoms provide better protection against STIs compared to male condoms. E. Condoms should be used during every sexual encounter for maximum protection. .

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Condoms are effective in reducing the risk of many STIs, but they are not 100% effective in preventing all types of STIs. Some STIs, like herpes and syphilis, can still be transmitted even with condom use.

Choice B:

Consistent and correct use of condoms can indeed reduce the risk of many STIs, including HIV. Condoms act as a barrier, preventing direct contact between genital areas and reducing the transmission of infectious agents.

Choice C:

Using oil-based lubricants with male condoms is not recommended, as they can weaken latex condoms and increase the risk of breakage. Water-based or silicone-based lubricants are preferred.

Choice D:

Female condoms and male condoms both provide similar protection against STIs. Neither type of condom is definitively proven to be more effective in preventing STIs.

Choice E:

Condoms should be used during every sexual encounter for maximum protection. Consistency in condom use is crucial to reduce the risk of STIs, including HIV.

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Question 4:

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with gastroenteritis. What is the primary characteristic feature of gastroenteritis?

A. Vomiting and fever. B. Abdominal pain and cramps. C. Chronic diarrhea with bloody stools. D. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Vomiting and fever can be symptoms of gastroenteritis, but they are not the primary characteristic feature. Abdominal pain and cramps are more indicative of gastroenteritis.

Choice B:

Abdominal pain and cramps are indeed the primary characteristic feature of gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often leading to symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, pain, and cramps.

Choice C:

Chronic diarrhea with bloody stools is not the primary characteristic feature of gastroenteritis. Bloody stools are more commonly associated with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Choice D:

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are common complications of gastroenteritis due to the loss of fluids through vomiting and diarrhea. However, they are not the primary characteristic feature of the condition.

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Question 5:

A nurse is educating parents about preventing gastroenteritis in their children. Which preventive measure should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

A. Proper handwashing. B. Ensuring the child's exposure to infected individuals. C. Vaccination against rotavirus. D. Consuming unpasteurized milk. E. Proper food safety practices.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Proper handwashing is an essential preventive measure, but it alone does not cover all aspects of gastroenteritis prevention.

Choice B:

Ensuring the child's exposure to infected individuals is not a preventive measure; it increases the risk of transmission.

Choice C:

Vaccination against rotavirus is crucial because rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children. Immunization reduces the risk of infection and its complications.

Choice D:

Consuming unpasteurized milk should be avoided as it can transmit harmful bacteria and increase the risk of gastroenteritis.

Choice E:

Proper food safety practices are important, but the question asks for a preventive measure specifically related to gastroenteritis.

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Question 6:

A client with gastroenteritis says, "I can't stop going to the bathroom, and my stool is watery." What is the appropriate nursing response?

A. "It seems like you might have a bacterial infection causing your symptoms.” B. "Your symptoms could be due to a parasitic infection from contaminated water or food.” C. "You might be experiencing viral gastroenteritis, which is highly contagious.” D. "It is possible that your symptoms are related to an inflammatory process in your intestine.”

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

This response jumps to a bacterial infection without considering other possibilities.

Choice B:

While parasitic infections can cause similar symptoms, the focus should be on the most likely scenario first.

Choice C:

This response addresses the most probable cause – viral gastroenteritis, which is indeed highly contagious.

Choice D:

Intestinal inflammation is a possibility, but it doesn't address the contagious nature of the symptoms.

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Question 7:

A client with suspected gastroenteritis reports eating undercooked poultry recently. What should the nurse consider as a possible causative agent?

A. Giardia lamblia. B. Norovirus. C. Salmonella. D. Cyclospora cayetanensis.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Giardia lamblia is a parasite commonly associated with contaminated water, not undercooked poultry.

Choice B:

Norovirus is a common viral cause of gastroenteritis, but the context of undercooked poultry points more toward bacterial pathogens.

Choice C:

Salmonella is a bacterial pathogen often found in undercooked poultry and can cause gastroenteritis.

Choice D:

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite usually linked to contaminated fruits and vegetables, not poultry.

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Question 8:

A nurse is assessing a child with gastroenteritis. What signs would the nurse expect to find in this client? Select all that apply.

A. Muscle weakness and cramps. B. Weight loss and edema. C. Watery or bloody diarrhea. D. Dry mouth and poor skin turgor. E. Fever and chills.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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Question 9:

(From external source) Which is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in young children during the winter months?

A. Norovirus. B. Astroviruses. C. Rotavirus. D. Enteric adenoviruses.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Norovirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis, but it is more commonly associated with outbreaks in closed settings such as cruise ships or healthcare facilities, rather than being the most common cause in young children during the winter months.

Choice B:

Astroviruses can cause gastroenteritis, but rotavirus is more prevalent in causing gastrointestinal illness among young children, particularly during the winter months.

Choice C:

Rotavirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in young children during the winter months. It leads to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea and can be prevented through vaccination.

Choice D:

Enteric adenoviruses can cause gastroenteritis, but rotavirus is generally more widespread among young children, especially in the winter.

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Question 10:

(From external source) Which of the following practices can help prevent gastroenteritis?

A. Consuming unpasteurized milk. B. Proper handwashing. C. Exposure to infected individuals. D. Avoiding vaccinations.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Consuming unpasteurized milk can actually increase the risk of contracting infections, including gastroenteritis, as raw milk may contain harmful bacteria or pathogens.

Choice B:

Proper handwashing is a key preventive measure against gastroenteritis. This practice helps reduce the spread of infectious agents from contaminated surfaces to the mouth, preventing ingestion of pathogens.

Choice C:

Exposure to infected individuals increases the risk of transmission of gastroenteritis. This choice is incorrect as it doesn't prevent gastroenteritis.

Choice D:

Avoiding vaccinations is not a recommended practice. Vaccination against certain pathogens, like rotavirus, can significantly reduce the risk of gastroenteritis and its associated complications.

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Question 11:

A nurse is assessing a child with suspected gastroenteritis. Which of the following should be included in the assessment? (Select all that apply)

A. Vital signs. B. Travel history. C. Urinary output. D. Blood glucose level. E. Skin turgor.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

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:

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

Choice C:

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

Choice D:

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

Choice E:

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

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Question 12:

A nurse is educating parents about preventing gastroenteritis in their children. Which measures should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply)

A. Boil or filter water before drinking. B. Avoid sharing utensils with others. C. Wash hands with soap and water before meals. D. Keep children indoors during the rainy season. E. Dispose of fecal matter properly.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Boiling or filtering water before drinking helps prevent ingestion of contaminated water, reducing the risk of gastroenteritis.

Choice B:

Avoiding sharing utensils helps prevent the spread of infectious agents that can cause gastroenteritis.

Choice C:

Washing hands with soap and water before meals is essential to remove potential pathogens and prevent transmission.

Choice D:

While keeping children indoors during the rainy season can reduce exposure to certain infections, it is not a direct measure to prevent gastroenteritis.

Choice E:

Proper disposal of fecal matter helps prevent the contamination of water sources and food, reducing the risk of gastroenteritis transmission.

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Question 13:

A nurse is caring for a child with gastroenteritis. The child's mother says, "I don't understand why my child can't have any medicine for the diarrhea." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A. "Diarrhea is a natural defense mechanism to eliminate the infectious agent.” B. "Medicine for diarrhea can worsen the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.” C. "Giving medicine for diarrhea can cause adverse effects like toxic megacolon.” D. "Diarrhea is a common symptom of gastroenteritis, and it will resolve on its own.”

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Diarrhea is not primarily a defense mechanism to eliminate infectious agents. It is usually a response to infections and can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte losses, which can be harmful.

Choice B:

Medicines for diarrhea can interfere with the body's natural process of eliminating the infectious agent. Moreover, some anti-diarrheal medications can slow down the bowel motility, which may worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Choice C:

Toxic megacolon is a severe complication of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, not a common adverse effect of diarrhea medicines. This response may confuse the mother and is not directly related to the child's gastroenteritis.

Choice D:

While it is true that diarrhea is a common symptom of gastroenteritis and usually resolves on its own, it is important to address the potential risks of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can occur, especially in children.

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Question 14:

A client with gastroenteritis is prescribed oral rehydration therapy (ORT) The client expresses concern about not being able to eat solid food. What should the nurse say in response?

A. "ORT is enough to provide all the necessary nutrients during this time.” B. "You can have soft and bland foods once the vomiting subsides.” C. "You should try to eat regular meals to speed up the recovery process.” D. "It's normal to have a decreased appetite during gastroenteritis.”

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

ORT (oral rehydration therapy) helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes but does not provide all the necessary nutrients. It is essential to address the client's concerns about food intake.

Choice B:

Soft and bland foods are recommended once vomiting subsides, but suggesting this before addressing the client's concern may not effectively address the issue.

Choice C:

Encouraging regular meals may not be appropriate during gastroenteritis, as the digestive system needs time to recover. Eating regular meals could potentially exacerbate symptoms.

Choice D:

Gastroenteritis commonly leads to a reduced appetite due to nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Assuring the client that a decreased appetite is normal and emphasizing the importance of fluid intake through ORT is appropriate.

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Question 15:

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

A. X-ray of the abdomen. B. Complete blood count (CBC) C. Electrocardiogram (ECG) D. Stool culture and microscopy.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

X-ray of the abdomen is not the most appropriate diagnostic test for identifying the causative agent of gastroenteritis. It primarily helps visualize the structures within the abdomen and is not specific to identifying pathogens.

Choice B:

A complete blood count (CBC) measures blood cell counts and is not a direct test for identifying gastroenteritis causative agents.

Choice C:

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess heart activity and is unrelated to diagnosing gastroenteritis or its causative agents.

Choice D:

Stool culture and microscopy are crucial for identifying bacterial, viral, or parasitic pathogens responsible for gastroenteritis. It helps determine the specific organism causing the illness and guides appropriate treatment.

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Question 16:

A nurse is assessing a child with suspected gastroenteritis. Which of the following should be included in the assessment?

A. Onset and duration of fever. B. Exposure to potential sources of infection. C. Recent travel history. D. Presence of cough and sore throat.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Onset and duration of fever is important for assessing the child's condition, but in the context of suspected gastroenteritis, focusing solely on fever may not provide a comprehensive assessment.

Choice B:

B) is more pertinent.

Choice C:

Recent travel history is relevant for assessing certain types of infections, such as travel-related gastroenteritis from exposure to contaminated water or food in other regions. However, in a general assessment of suspected gastroenteritis, exposure to potential sources of infection (

Choice D:

Presence of cough and sore throat is not directly related to gastroenteritis, which primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. These symptoms are more characteristic of respiratory infections.

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Question 17:

A client with gastroenteritis is prescribed oral rehydration therapy (ORT) The nurse should administer the ORT based on which guideline?

A. 50-100 ml/kg for severe dehydration. B. 100-200 ml/kg for mild dehydration. C. 20-40 ml/kg for severe dehydration. D. 40-60 ml/kg for mild dehydration.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Administering 50-100 ml/kg of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is recommended for severe dehydration. This guideline ensures a more aggressive fluid replacement to address significant fluid loss.

Choice B:

Administering 100-200 ml/kg for mild dehydration might lead to overhydration in less severe cases, increasing the risk of fluid overload.

Choice C:

Administering 20-40 ml/kg for severe dehydration is insufficient to adequately address severe fluid loss and rehydrate the client effectively.

Choice D:

Administering 40-60 ml/kg for mild dehydration may not provide enough fluids to adequately address dehydration, especially if the client's condition worsens.

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Question 18:

A nurse is educating a client with gastroenteritis about preventing transmission. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?

A. "I will avoid washing hands after using the toilet.” B. "I should share personal items with family members.” C. "I will wash fruits and vegetables before eating.” D. "I can use the same cup as my friend to drink.”

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Avoiding handwashing after using the toilet would increase the risk of transmitting infection, as proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Choice B:

Sharing personal items with family members can contribute to the transmission of infections. It is important to discourage this behavior.

Choice C:

Washing fruits and vegetables before eating helps remove potential contaminants and pathogens, reducing the risk of ingesting harmful microorganisms.

Choice D:

Using the same cup as a friend to drink can lead to the spread of infections through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. It is advisable to use separate utensils and containers to prevent transmission.

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Question 19:

A client with gastroenteritis is experiencing dehydration. The nurse should monitor for which signs of dehydration?

A. Hypertension and tachycardia. B. Bradycardia and pale skin. C. Increased urine output. D. Dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Hypertension and tachycardia are not typical signs of dehydration. Dehydration often leads to decreased blood volume, resulting in hypotension and tachycardia as the body tries to compensate for the fluid loss.

Choice B:

Bradycardia and pale skin are not consistent with dehydration. Dehydration usually leads to an increased heart rate (tachycardia) as the body attempts to maintain circulation despite decreased fluid levels.

Choice C:

Increased urine output is not indicative of dehydration. Dehydration typically leads to decreased urine output (oliguria) as the body conserves fluid in response to the loss.

Choice D:

Dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes are classic signs of dehydration. When fluid intake is insufficient, the body conserves water by reducing saliva and other secretions, resulting in dry mucous membranes. Sunken eyes can occur due to decreased fluid volume and loss of tissue turgor.

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Question 20:

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

A. Chest X-ray. B. Blood culture. C. Stool analysis. D. Urinalysis.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Chest X-ray is not appropriate for identifying the causative agent of gastroenteritis. It primarily helps visualize lung and chest conditions.

Choice B:

Blood culture is used to detect bacterial or fungal infections in the bloodstream, not specifically for identifying the causative agent of gastroenteritis.

Choice C:

Stool analysis is the most suitable diagnostic test for identifying the specific causative agent of gastroenteritis. It can detect pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, in the stool sample.

Choice D:

Urinalysis is not the most appropriate test for identifying the causative agent of gastroenteritis. It is used to assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections. Vulvovaginitis. .

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Question 21:

(From external source) Which bacteria produce enterotoxins that cause watery diarrhea in cases of bacterial gastroenteritis?

A. Salmonella and Campylobacter. B. Shigella and Yersinia. C. Vibrio cholerae and Clostridium perfringens. D. E. coli and C. diff.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Salmonella and Campylobacter are known to cause bacterial gastroenteritis, but they typically do not produce enterotoxins that specifically cause watery diarrhea. Instead, they often cause more inflammatory types of diarrhea.

Choice B:

Shigella and Yersinia can also cause bacterial gastroenteritis, but their mechanisms of causing diarrhea are different from enterotoxin production. Shigella is known to cause bloody diarrhea, while Yersinia can lead to abdominal pain and fever.

Choice C:

Vibrio cholerae produces the cholera toxin, which leads to watery diarrhea by increasing chloride secretion and inhibiting sodium absorption in the intestines. Clostridium perfringens can produce enterotoxins that lead to watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Choice D:

While E. coli can cause gastroenteritis, it usually produces Shiga toxins that lead to bloody diarrhea (as seen in E. coli O157:H7), or it may cause inflammation and not typically result in watery diarrhea. C. difficile is known for causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis, but it's not primarily associated with watery diarrhea.

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Gastroenteritis

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