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Gastroenteritis in Children:
Gastroenteritis in Children: ( 15 Questions)
The nurse asks the child's parent, "Have you noticed any changes in your child's bowel movements recently?" What would be an expected statement from the parent?
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.
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.
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.
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 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.