Most common cause of diarrhoea in children is?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2021

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2021

Explanation

Rotavirus is the leading global cause of severe, dehydrating gastroenteritis in children under 5 years old.
The peak incidence of severe rotavirus infection occurs in children aged 6 to 24 months, a period when maternal antibodies wane and active immunity is not yet fully developed.
Transmission is primarily fecal-oral, and the virus is highly contagious and environmentally stable, leading to frequent outbreaks, especially in cooler months or year-round in tropical climates.

Option A: While certain strains like Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) are a significant cause of watery diarrhea, it is not the single most common cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in young children globally when compared to Rotavirus.
Option C: Staphylococcus aureus causes food poisoning through preformed toxins in contaminated food. This leads to a rapid onset of vomiting, which is often more prominent than the subsequent diarrhea.
Option D: Streptococcal bacteria are not a typical cause of primary infectious gastroenteritis. They are primarily associated with respiratory infections (e.g., strep throat), skin infections (e.g., impetigo), and scarlet fever.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of infectious diarrhea in the pediatric population as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role is the rapid assessment and management of dehydration, which is the main cause of mortality in pediatric diarrhea. Using WHO dehydration assessment scales is a critical skill.
Educating parents on the importance and schedule of the Rotavirus vaccine is a key public health intervention to prevent severe disease and reduce hospitalizations.
Nurses must teach families proper hygiene and the correct preparation and administration of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplements to manage the illness at home effectively.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'most common cause,' 'diarrhoea,' and 'children'.
This is a factual recall question that relies on epidemiological knowledge of infectious diseases.
Consider the common pathogens that cause gastroenteritis and their prevalence in the pediatric population.
Recall that Rotavirus is globally recognized as the number one cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in infants and young children, largely due to its high transmissibility and the vulnerability of this age group.
Differentiate this from other causes. E. coli is a major cause but often linked to specific situations like travel. Staphylococcus is linked to food poisoning with prominent vomiting. Streptococcus is not a primary cause of diarrhea.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Etiology of infectious diarrhea in the pediatric population.
Stem keywords: diarrhoea, children, most common cause
Lead-in keywords: Most common
Clinical cues: The term 'children' points towards pediatric-specific epidemiology, where pathogen prevalence differs from adults.

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