Glucose is added in ORS to:

Appeared in: OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Explanation

Glucose is added to ORS to facilitate the absorption of sodium from the small intestine.
This process occurs via a specific protein called the Sodium-Glucose Linked Transporter 1 (SGLT1).
The SGLT1 protein transports one molecule of glucose and one ion of sodium together from the gut into the intestinal cells.
This movement of sodium and glucose into the cells creates an osmotic gradient, which then pulls water from the intestine into the bloodstream, effectively combating dehydration.

Option A: While glucose does add a mild sweetness, this is a secondary benefit and not the primary therapeutic reason for its inclusion. The main goal is physiological rehydration.
Option B: Glucose is a sugar and can actually promote the growth of bacteria. This is why prepared ORS solution should be discarded after 24 hours.
Option C: Glucose's role is not to stabilize the chemical components of the dry ORS powder. Its function is entirely physiological once dissolved and ingested.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Physiological basis of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
The coupling of sodium and glucose absorption is the cornerstone of modern oral rehydration therapy, which has dramatically reduced mortality from diarrheal diseases worldwide.
Nurses must educate caregivers to mix the entire ORS packet in the specified amount of clean water (usually 1 liter). Using too little water makes the solution hypertonic and can worsen diarrhea, while too much water dilutes the electrolytes, making it less effective.
Prepared ORS solution should be covered and used within 24 hours. Any remaining solution should be discarded to prevent bacterial contamination.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about the composition and function of a common medical treatment.
First, identify the key components mentioned in the question: Glucose and ORS.
Recall the primary purpose of ORS, which is to treat dehydration by replacing water and electrolytes lost during diarrhea.
Think about the physiological function of each component in ORS. Specifically, how does glucose contribute to the goal of rehydration?
Evaluate each option based on this physiological understanding. The most direct and important function is the correct answer.
Eliminate options that are secondary effects (like improving taste) or factually incorrect (like decreasing bacterial growth).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q8UoVQeeF82Ubjwl9g8Abu

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 311-313

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 163-165

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 3 p. 7-9

Practise the full OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.