Drag each caregiver statement about a toddler with acute gastroenteritis to the nurse's response category.
Matrix Multiple Choice
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Mild to moderate dehydration is treated with frequent small amounts of oral rehydration solution, replacement of ongoing stool losses, and continued breastfeeding or age-appropriate nutrition. Juice, soda, and sports drinks do not have the appropriate glucose-electrolyte balance, and nonprescribed antidiarrheal medication can be unsafe in young children. Lethargy, poor perfusion, markedly reduced urine, bloody stool, bilious vomiting, or inability to retain fluid requires prompt evaluation.
Quick answer Use small frequent ORS and continue feeding; correct high-sugar fluids and unprescribed antidiarrheals; escalate poor perfusion, minimal urine, blood, bile, or failed oral intake.
Why this is correct Oral rehydration works through balanced glucose and sodium transport and should be paired with early nutrition. Concentrated sugary drinks can worsen osmotic diarrhea, while severe dehydration or a concerning diagnosis requires medical evaluation and possibly IV therapy.
NCLEX decision rule Teach both the plan and the stop rules: what fluid to give, how to give it, what feeding to continue, and which changes mean home care is no longer safe.
References
1CDC: Managing Acute Gastroenteritis Among Children
2CDC: Foodborne Illness and Fluid Replacement
Oral hydration at homeA 20-month-old has watery diarrhea and mild dehydration but is alert and able to drink. The nurse teaches oral rehydration, continued age-appropriate nutrition, unsafe substitutions, and findings that require urgent evaluation.
Oral Rehydration Solution — A balanced glucose-electrolyte fluid formulated to replace water and salts lost through diarrhea or vomiting.
Ongoing Losses — Additional fluid lost after initial rehydration, such as with each loose stool, that must be replaced.
Bilious Emesis — Green vomit containing bile, a concerning finding that can signal intestinal obstruction and requires urgent evaluation.