Concerned parents bring their 3-year-old child to the emergency department. They state that the child has had vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days, is lethargic, and has had a fever
Upon assessment, vital signs reveal: temperature 103.7° F, pulse 148, BP 90/39, and respirations 28. The nurse suspects _________ and should prepare to ____________.
a. meningococcal infection; administer a blood thinner to prevent thrombosis
b. influenza; administer antipyretics and a cooling blanket
c. rotavirus; administer IV fluids
d. prodromal phase of chickenpox; monitor the child
ANS: C
Rotavirus infects the intestinal mucosa and is the most common diarrheal pathogen in the world. Manifestations include fever, diarrhea, and vomiting and may lead to life-threatening dehydration. IV fluids should be given to prevent dehydration.
The signs and symptoms are not consistent with meningococcal infection or chickenpox.
The symptoms may be indicative of a gastroenteritis flu virus. However, IV fluids still are indicated, given the signs of dehydration. Antipyretics would treat the fever and mild discomforts but not address the fluid volume loss.
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